Toor Morina's release request rejected

The Criminal Court's Council for Organised Crime in Skopje has refused a safeguard clause for the release of Tomor Morina, a former member of the Kosovo Liberation Army, arrested Wednesday by Macedonian police on the basis of a warrant issued by INTERPOL, at Serbia's request.

This became known for Radio Europe Free from lawyer Naser Raufi, under which the court has rejected the decision in the argument that “is a case for foreign citizens, who in case of release can flee”.

Raufi, however, hopes in a positive epilogue in the proceedings and further talks regarding the case. “Now we expect Belgrade to present through Interpol the evidence it claims possesses regarding the extradition request. I think things are good and we're going to succeed. It's working fast on this case and after Belgrade sends the document, I'll see with Tomor, but I don't believe they'll send something on their claims. In the end, the justice minister decides, so the government. I think it's a good thing to do.

He has visited Tomor Morina at the Shutka prison in Skopje on Monday and says his situation is very good, while even treatment by prison authorities is high.

The arrest of former KLA member had triggered numerous reactions both in Kosovo and North Macedonia. Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has said the law will be respected in this case.

The rule of law and respect of international regulations and laws is the European norm, which I and all of you represent”, Zaev had declared.

Albanian political parties have also reacted by seeking Morina's immediate release.

At a Assembly session, DUI MP Ejup Halimi has called the authorities' decision unacceptable, which according to him “are proceeding with Serbia's orders adopted since Slobodan Milosevic's time”.

In a communiqué of the Alliance for Albanians led by Zijadin Sela, the case with Tomor Morina reportedly represents “offendim” and “approval” that does not distribute peace and inter-combinal reports.

Regarding the arrest of former KLA member Tomor Morina on Thursday, Kosovo Foreign Minister Behgjet Pacolli has reacted, saying Kosovo will not allow Morina's extradition.

Kosovo's top diplomat, said Kosovo institutions would continue working on his release, as well as urged Skopje to reject the <x0 political warrants for arrests issued by Belgrade”.