Stand-by Measure for 31 Arrested in the North

Those arrested keep in custody under suspicion of committing criminal acts, such as participation or organisation of the organised criminal group, misuse of official duty or authority, taking bribes, avoiding obligatory customs fees and forbidden trade.

Most of those arrested are members of the Kosovo Police.

The Final Court's full announcement:

The Constitutional Court in Pristina, the Special Department, has ruled on the request of the Special Prosecutor of the Republic of Kosovo to appoint the detention measure against defendants A. V-B, V.D., I.U, because of criminal acts, participation or organisation of the criminal group organised by Article 283 paragraph 1 of the Republic of Kosovo Penal Code, related to criminal acts, abuse of office or official authority by Article 422 paragraphs 1 and 2 under paragraph 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 of the Republic of Kosovo Penal Code, taking Ryshfet from Article 429 paragraphs 2 of the Republic of Kosovo Penal Code against the defendants. J, A.I., F.I., B.U., N. J, J. J, A.J., M.J., N. B, J.M. and S.I. due to criminal acts of participation or organisation of the criminal group organised by Article 283 paragraph 1 of the Republic of Kosovo Penal Code, regarding criminal acts banned by Article 3/05/2 of «KPRK, avoid paying mandatory customs fees from Article 318/1 of KPRK, against defendants A. M, A.P, A.H, B.N, B.T, B. L, B.M., B.M., D. S, J.D., K. S, M.M, O. K, R. M, R.K, Mr.B. and Mr. S, due to the criminal offence or organisation of the criminal group organised by Article 283 paragraph 1 of the Republic of Kosovo Penal Code, regarding criminal acts Misuse of duty or official authority from Article 422 paragraph 1 and 2 under paragraph 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 of the Republic of Kosovo Penal Code, taking bribes from Article 429 paragraph 2 of the Republic of Kosovo's Penal Code.

The court has made a decision and thirty-one defendants have appointed the detention measure at 1 (a) one month each separately.

The court has found that the criteria from Article 187 par.1 below have been met. par.1.2 points 1.2.2. The KPRK's, because there are circumstances that defendants can influence witnesses, there is also the danger that the defendants, if found in freedom, can conceal evidence of criminal acts, can forge any evidence to serve as alibi for defendants with the intent of avoiding criminal responsibility. Also, the court has found that the criteria from Article 187 par 1 under 2.2 points 1.2.3 of KKPK have also been met.

Against that ruling, the parties have a right to complaint at the Kosovo Court of Appeals.