Kurt didn't go to the DA. Avoid accountability, behaviour undermines Kosovo image

Do not respond to the Special Prosecutor's invitation by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, according to AAK MP Pal Lekaj deprived him of accountability and a negative signal for justice institutions, writes Periscopi.

Lekaj in a statement issued to Periscope criticises Kurti's decision to fail to appear in the Special Prosecution on Monday on December 16th.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti's failure to present itself to the Special Prosecutor is a sensitive issue that raises important questions about the rule of law and the accountability of state leaders. If a prime minister refuses to co-operate with justice, it could be interpreted as avoidance from accountability and a negative signal to justice institutions, Lekaj said.

He says Kurti's behaviour to justice bodies could damage Kosovo's image.

Such conduct could harm Kosovo's image as a state aimed at strengthening the rule and law, especially at the time when the country is facing criticism from international partners for fighting corruption and strengthening institutions. On the other hand, Kurt may reason on this as a political stance, suggesting that the invitation has political background. However, in any case, co-operation with institutions remains essential to protecting the integrity of democracy and rule of law, Lekaj told Periscope.

Otherwise, the invitation went to Kurt several months after Ridvan Muharrem and Roseta Hajdari were interviewed in the quality of suspects in the state reserve issue.

The Kosovo government announced, but did not clarify what case Kosovo Special Prosecutor invited Prime Minister Albin Kurti to testify on December 16th.

Kurt had come to the defense of Hajdari, saying that “has no corruption and misuse”.

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In response, the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council urged Kurt to refrain from blackmailing and derogatory statements”.

Eight months later, in April of this year, Hajdari himself was invited for an interview by the Special Prosecutor, under suspicion of misusing official duty in connection with state reserves.

In her appearance before prosecutors, she defended herself silently.

The opposition demanded Hajdari's resignation, but she denied there is reason for that.

Otherwise, the Special's call reportedly forced the witness to respond to the call at 9:30 on December 16.

In support of KPP Article 132, your unreasonable failure will be a reason to force you to appear and you can be fined up to 250 euros for any misgiving. If you show up, but after having been informed of the consequences, refuse to testify without legal justification, you can be fined up to 250 euros.

If even after that, you refuse to testify, you may be imprisoned. Prisoning lasts until you refuse to testify or until your testimony becomes unnecessary, or until the procedure is completed, but no more than 1 month”./Zana Rugova / P ERISCOPI/