Report DAS: Numerous reports of corruption in Kosovo Government

The State Department for Human Rights has released the latest report for 2023 on the World Rights Practices of Nations.

The report reportedly had no significant changes in the year 2023 to the human rights situation in Kosovo.

The data released in this report say that among the most important reports on human rights were serious problems with the independence of the judiciary; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including through violence or threats against journalists; serious government corruption; widespread gender-based violence, including domestic violence or partners; as well as violent crimes, or threats of violence against ethnic minorities and other communities.

The State Department report says the Kosovo government took reliable but not continuous steps to identify, investigate, accuse and punish officials who may have abused human rights.

SYTU ATA WITH SUFFECTION AND CENTURY FOR CORRUPTION

Although the Kosovo constitution provides for an independent judiciary, the report says the judiciary has not always managed to provide a fair process. With shortcomings in the accountability of justice officials, judicial structures were influenced by political interference, controversial appointments and unclear mandates.

“Law envisioned criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government did not implement the law effectively. There were numerous reports of government corruption. Officials sometimes engaged in corrupt practices with impunity. The lack of effective judicial supervision and overall weakness in rule of law contributed to this problem. Corruption cases were regularly submitted to repeated appeals, and the judicial system often allowed for expiration of prescription”, the report says.

Meanwhile, civil society criticised the government for public intervention in the independence and impartiality of judicial institutions, in particular for cases of corruption investigation by government officials.

The report cites the case of former Agriculture Minister Nenad Rikalo, who was sentenced, along with the ministry secretary who headed him. In June, Pristina's Constitutional Court concluded its 2019 trial against former Agriculture Minister Nenad Ricalo and eight other ministry officials charged with abuse of office. The court sentenced Rikas and former Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture to three and two years in prison. The six remaining defendants were acquitted of” charges, the DAsh report says.

“Medias reported that the Special Prosecutor and the Kosovo Police Special Investigation Unit opened criminal investigations against at least five ministers and two deputy ministers on charges of corruption-related acts. Separately, the Pristina Constitutional Court found Industry, Trade and Trade Minister Roseta Hajdari guilty and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diasporas Lisa Gashi for failing to declare his wealth and fined 700 euros (764 euros) and $500 ($45, $145) ], the report notes.

THE PRAY OF HOPE AND MEDIA LIRIA

Although the constitution and Kosovo laws guarantee freedom of expression, including press and other media employees, there were reliable reports that some public officials, politicians, businesses and elements of the crime world and even religious groups tried to intimidate media representatives and used violence or threats against journalists. The Association of Kosovo Journalists (AGK) reported that it became the target of attacks itself when it came to the defense of journalists and media. The association reported that government officials, including the prime minister and leaders of the ruling party, engaged in campaigns to undermine public confidence in the media. With nearly 60 cases of attacks reported during the year, journalists indicated that because of pressure from politicians and criminal groups, they often switched to self-enforcement of their reporting.

The attacks on journalists during tensions in northern Kosovo in the months of May and June damaged equipment, burned vehicles and physically injured workers of media groups on the ground. Journalists said some of these attacks were directed and approved by political leaders in the country's north, though they have denied any possible involvement.

The report notes that the Serbian government continued to maintain illegal parallel structures of governance in Serb majority areas and that it uses these structures to influence these communities and their political representatives.

DHU DECIAL BASICS AND THREEE GRAVE

Gender-based violence is recognised in legislation as a form of discrimination, but a definition of it being used in criminal and civil processes is lacking. Rape and domestic violence are known as criminal acts, but the government did not enforce the law effectively. E ULEX noted that courts often give less penalties than the anticipated minimum and law enforcement agencies rarely took measures to protect survivors and witnesses.

Few women continue to be at leading positions in businesses, police, or the Kosovo government, and in general only one in five women are on the job market.

DI SCRIPTING AFFAIRS ETHNIC

Racal or ethnic-based discrimination is prohibited by the Kosovo Constitution, but reports of violence and discrimination against ethnic minority groups continued. According to the ombudsman, there were problems in full and efficient implementation of laws, as well as shortcomings in institutional capacities. Social violence, in particular discrimination in employment, continued against Kosovo Serbs and other ethnic minority groups. Minority groups faced discrimination of different levels in education, social services, language use, freedom of movement and other legally guaranteed rights. / VOA/