476 complaints against judges, prosecutors

Delays in treating the subjects and the improper behavior of judges and prosecutors have led numerous citizens to address the Prosecutor's Office with complaints against their work. The director of this institution, Zef Prendrecaj, said all subjects have been treated and, in some cases, recommended the suspension of judges and prosecutors, which has been found to have acted indecently at work.

476 is the number of citizens who have turned to the Prosecutor's Office for Disciplinary in connection with delays in dealing with the potential improper subjects and behavior of judges and prosecutors. The director of the Disciplinary Prosecutor's Office, Zef Prendrecaj, told Radio Kosovo, under which, in some cases, it has been requested by the Judiciary and Prosecutorial Council to take steps against their employees.

This year, the office has opened investigations into 15 judges and 5 prosecutors. In 10 cases, the Disciplinary Prosecutor's Office has found that judges have committed possible and unbecoming behaviour and have recommended these cases in disciplinary procedure to the Kosovo Judicial Council disciplinary Commission. In seven other cases, possible and unbehaven conduct committed by prosecutors has been found. These cases are recommended by the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council Disciplinary Commission”, Prendrecaj said.

Disciplinary Prosecutor's Office Director Zef Prendrecaj said most of the citizens' complaints have been dropped as groundless in lack of evidence, but he encouraged citizens to file complaints. While Kosovo Judiciary Council spokeswoman Ayse Qorray told Radio Kosovo what measures they took against judges, following recommendations from the Prosecutor's Office.

A total of 16 decisions have been taken and these measures have been pronounced: Freedom from responsibility is eight decisions. There are two decisions. Lowing 30% of the monthly salary is a decision. Pay cuts for six months, with 30% of the monthly salary a decision. Suspending is a decision”, KDR spokeswoman Ayshe Qorray said.

Radio Kosovo has also requested information from the Kosovo Procurial Council about how it dealt with those cases, when the Prosecutor's Office of Disciplinary has noted that the appointed prosecutors have had inappropriate behaviour. But the latter has not provided information. And according to Zef Prendrecatet, the Prosecutor's Office on three occasions has demanded the prosecution's suspension, and it is done by the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council's Disciplinary Commission.