Kosovo Woman Killed by Husband in Gjilan; Brother Dead, Uncle Wounded

A woman was shot dead by her husband in the city of Gjilan, Kosovo, on Tuesday, in an attack that also claimed the life of her brother and left her uncle severely wounded, according to local reports. The victims' names have not been released. The suspect, the woman's husband, is believed to have carried out the shooting before fleeing or being detained; police have not yet provided further details.

The killing adds to a grim tally: since 2010, at least 63 women in Kosovo have been killed by their husbands, according to data cited by Albeu.com. The latest attack underscores the persistent failure to protect women from domestic violence in the country, where activists have long criticized inadequate enforcement of protection orders and a lack of shelters. No official statement from Kosovo police or the government was immediately available.

The Gjilan shooting is likely to reignite calls for stronger measures against gender-based violence in Kosovo, a candidate for EU membership where women's rights groups have demanded tougher penalties and better prevention. International observers, including the EU and human rights organizations, have repeatedly urged Pristina to address femicide. The incident may prompt renewed scrutiny of Kosovo's judicial and law enforcement response to domestic abuse, as authorities face pressure to act.