Bird: We have faced an extraordinary government crackdown on judiciary

KDR Chief Chairman Albert Zogaj said that the independence of the judicial system in the Progress Report is the subject. According to him, the judicial system is the model of selection of judges and transparent procedures.

He stressed that the judiciary is constantly facing lack of resources.

“We during 2022 and specifically during 2023 faced an extraordinary government blow on the judiciary, and that in two dimensions. Initially with the reduction of wages through the government's decision and then with the reduction of wages through the law, which had earlier been reduced by the government's decision. In this case, the decision to cut salaries is serious shocks and are serious consequences for Kosovo's judiciary. Because in addition to violating the country's Constitution, the laws in force have also been violated by international standards expressed in the opinion of the European judges' advisory council, where in opinion 1 must be made specific provisions guarantee that judges' salaries cannot be reduced and guaranteed at least de-phact the judges' salary increases, in proportion to the increase of the cost of life, said.

Zogaj added that the court budget should not be part of political movements. He called not to comment on the decisions of Kosovo courts and judges.

The behaviour of two other powers in relation to the judiciary, when taken for principle, implies that they have seriously violated the independence of the judiciary and in particular in this case I stress and I want to use this conference to demand from all content on court decisions. Do not comment on the court ruling, do not comment on the names of judges who decide on certain cases because the judges of the Republic of Kosovo simply carry out their function as judges, and all others should respect the constitution and the decisions of courts”, he added.

Kosovo's Judiciary Council chairman also cited the resignation of Serbian judges, who he said managed to keep courts in the north functional. Zogaj said that the challenges of this system are efficiency, quality of decision-making and public confidence.

And Supreme Court Chairman Fyzullah Rexhepi said this institution this year has made five legal decisions, three guidelines and a principled stance.

With all the challenges and difficulties facing Kosovo's justice system over the years and in the next year, we can say that through commitment and dedication we have made remarkable progress in strengthening the judicial system's independence. With all the difficulties and challenges that have been significant, as we continue, despite this, we can say that the Supreme Court has carried out its constitutional and legal obligations this year as the highest judicial authority in its unifying role. By choosing in reasonable terms the issues set forth, meaning that we have content waiting no longer than three months”, he said.

Even deputy chief prosecutor of the Prosecutorial Council Veton Shabani said that during this year they have faced numerous challenges.

“Despite work and dedication, challenges have never been missed. Including legal initiatives that violate the independence of our systems, and for which we have had a commitment of both systems, both the Prosecutorial and steadfast Judiciary face those challenges. To fulfill our constitutional and legal mission, commitment must be continuous and the successes achieved should move us to work even further, in order to establish performance by conducting better-quality investigations, establishing more quantum accusations and fair and merit court decisions”, he concluded.