Protesters marched in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on Wednesday to demand action on violence against women, the Associated Press and Balkan Insight report. The rally followed the killing of Arlinda Zekaj, 49, on Sunday near the western town of Peja.

The AP, in a story carried by ABC News, reports thousands joined the march and splashed red paint on government buildings. Balkan Insight reports hundreds marched. "The state's hands are bloody," protesters chanted.

Zekaj had written to prosecutors three days before her death, asking for protection and warning she could be killed. Her husband was detained Sunday. She was then killed by her brother-in-law after returning home, the AP reports, citing a relative. He was later arrested, and neither man has commented, the AP reports. The AP says Zekaj held US and Kosovo citizenship.

Protesters called for Justice Minister Donika Gervalla, Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla and the mayor of Peja to resign, Balkan Insight reports. They also want local prosecutors and a judge dismissed and femicide treated as a national emergency. Anger grew after Gervalla said in parliament that Zekaj "did not turn to the government" for help.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti blamed a "systemic chain of failures" by security and justice bodies. "A murder preceded by such warnings that went unanswered could hardly have ended any other way," he said. Parliament has set up an inquiry.

Activists counted Zekaj as the eighth woman killed in domestic violence this year, the AP reports. Balkan Insight says she is the seventh killed by a family member. Police received 2,815 domestic violence reports in 2025, according to the Justice Ministry.

What we know: Zekaj was killed days after asking for protection, and protesters want ministers to resign.
What we don't: Who in the justice system failed to act, and whether anyone will resign.