Thousands in Kosovo demand state action after 8 women die this year in domestic violence
PRISTINA, Kosovo — Angry protesters in Kosovo on Wednesday demanded state action over widespread violence against women in the staunchly patriarchal Balkan country, splashing red paint on government buildings in a message to the authorities that they have blood on their hands for failing to prevent it. Thousands of people joined the rally in the capital Pristina that was called after Arlinda Zekaj, 49, was killed by her brother-in-law on Sunday near the western town of Peja. Activists say that Zekaj became the eighth victim killed as the result of domestic violence in Kosovo this year. “Do we have to die to be taken seriously?” read one of the banners that the protesters carried during their march. Other messages written in red paint said “Men kill women, the state stays silent” or “Down with the patriarchal system.” Kosovo has passed several laws and regulations to combat violence…