7 minutes agoUS, EU call for Kosovo closure process of chief prosecutor selection
Periskopi(2 years ago)
(2 years ago)US Ambassador Jeff Hovenier and chief of the European Union's office in Pristina, Thomas Szunyog, voiced disappointment Saturday, as said the extension of the process of electing the new head of state and calling for preserving the independence of the justice system in the country. They made these comments at the conference [...]
They made these comments at the annual prosecutor's conference, during which it was said last year has been very challenging for rule of law.
“Two years ago, I think I've been in this very place and I've been looking for, I've called for the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council to ensure a fair, transparent process and based on credit for the election of the new head of state. I repeat this request again and regret that I'm doing it two years later”, US Ambassador Havenier said.
This temporary task-heavy solution should not be prolonged. The current situation is negatively affecting the prosecutorial system and the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council must fulfill its responsibility to ensure the deployment of necessary management functions”, said Mr Szunyog.
In October of last year, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani did not approve of the election of Blerim Isufaj to the post of chief state prosecutor, due to some legal violations “at the time, while the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council dismissed the president's arguments as unfounded and biased. Blerim Isufaj was short-listed candidate to lead chief state prosecutor from the Procument Council and was awaiting approval since April 2022.
Last year, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused the candidate for the post of chief state prosecutor as objecting to the policies of the new power. Government officials criticised prosecutors for secession in the process of prosecuting authors of last September 24th of last year's attack on Kosovo police in the north.
“E knows it is frustrating and sometimes offensive, facing criticism for the work you are doing and doing well, not only from the public, but also from the leaders of other government branches who also have the responsibility to protect the rule of law and good governance in Kosovo. I want to stress that dealing with these criticisms and the failure to prevent them from fulfilling your vows before the law is very important, you have to maintain your independence and continue to carry out your professional mandate”, Ambassador Havenier said.
“The prosecution's independence is non-negotiable and ensures that decisions are being made on the basis of the law and without any external or internal influence. I have recently noted in the media statements from the government with criticism of prosecutors and judges. I have publicly criticised this by stressing the essential importance of the prosecution's independence and courts”, Ambassador Szunyog said.
Kosovo's chief state prosecutor, Besim Kelmendi, said the work and image of this institution are being damaged by the long-standing process of appointing the new chief prosecutor. He said that during 2023 his office accepted 52 thousand and 93 cases, of which 41 thousand and 973 have closed.
Among these cases, a special importance is in the works about cases of corruption and economic crime. State prosecutor in 2023 has hired a thousand 182 cases of two thousand and 192 and has concluded 920 cases with a thousand and 622 persons. And we've ended 446 cases of 583 people. I want to draw attention that we need to be more proactive in cases of corruption, especially the high-level one, because the consequences of social corruption are very large”, said Mr. Kelmendi.
A survey conducted in November last year by the United Nations Development Programme speaks of a slight increase in citizens' contentment with the Prosecution work. / VOA
