7 hours agoSpecialist: We have ombudsman, Kosovo's visits are not considered official
Periskopi(7 months ago)
(7 months ago)Kosovo's Specialised Chambers have said they have their ombudsman and that visits by Kosovo's ombudsman cannot be considered official. Michael Doyle, spokesperson of DPSK has said that under the Kosovo Constitution, largely changed 2/3 of the Kosovo Assembly, it is [...]
Michael Doyle, spokesperson of The DPS has said that under the Kosovo Constitution -- changed by a majority of 2/3 of the Kosovo Parliament -- is the Ombudsman of Specialised Chambers, Judge Pietro Spera, not the Kosovo Ombudsman -- who has the authority to ensure that conditions in the DPS detention facility are in accordance with international human rights standards, reports <x0Betation for Justice “.
According to him, Pietro Spera has repeatedly conducted independent inspections in the detention facility, which three have only this year.
Regarding general oversight, the Ombudsman of Specialised Chambers acts independently to monitor, protect and preserve the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons who interact with the DSF and the Specialised Prosecutor's Office. He could receive complaints claiming human rights violations and conduct investigations about all complaints receiving”, the TSF spokesman has said.
Therefore, he said the visit conducted by Kosovo's ombudsman, Naim Celaj, to some detained, cannot be official.
“In view of the exclusive competence of the DPS ombudsman in connection with the DSF detention facility, the recent visit of the Kosovo Ombudsman to some of the detainees cannot be official, because the official monitoring function is carried out by the DK's ombudsman, appointed in accordance with Constitution”, Doyle said.
In addition, it was said that, along with the DPS ombudsman, the detention facility is under way with regular monitoring by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the practice that has been implemented since the creation of Specialised Chambers.
The end “S, in terms of visits to the DPS detention facility, is important to note that all the detainees continue to have regular family visits with women and children, held outside the scope of the detention officers' sight and hearing. All detainees have 10 days of personal visits every period of 30 days, along with regular phone calls and correspondence throughout the month”, the spokesman said at the conference.
Otherwise, through a media communique on November 20, 2025, Kosovo's Ombudsman, Naim Celaj, has announced that he has conducted monitoring visits to TSK, where it is said that the quote has been carried out under numerous restrictions and with full monitoring of interviews at the detention centre.
“Such monitoring violates the standards of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), which stipulates that visits should be private, without the presence of the insurance staff and without restrictions on collecting information”, said in the communiqué.
The ombudsman expressed his position that Kosovo's specialised Chambers' lack of accountability to the Republic of Kosovo creates a unique and unprecedented case.
Kosovo's Specialised Chambers continue to operate without effective reporting and monitoring mechanisms from the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, though it is founded on the decision of the Republic of Kosovo's Parliament. The lack of accountability prevents the implementation of the democratic control standard, guaranteed by the principles of good governance and public accountability”, the communique said.
According to the Ombudsman, the low level of transparency in judicial processes and the functioning of specialised rooms, as well as limited information, prevents the public and institutions from accessing the necessary data to ensure that standards are being respected for a fair trial and accountability.
“The people's account re-exemplifies that, despite the legal restrictions of the mandate to the Specialised Chambers, the institution will continue monitoring developments in The Hague, making efforts to engage independent international mechanisms for human rights protection, to monitor this process and enable a effective democratic audit”, it said, among other things in communities.
Differently, regarding the court case against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselin, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, at Thursday's conference by TSK, said that in this trial they have witnessed a total of 134 supporters of the prosecution, 2 of the victims' protection and 7 of Thaci's defence. Of this total number, only 63 testified at the public hearing.
Final files in this case are expected to be submitted by January 19, 2026.
The trial “Trug also appointed January 19th 2026 as the deadline for the Prosecutor and Defence to file their final court files, and for protecting the victims for handing over the declaration on the consequences of alleged crimes for 155 victims participating in this case”, Doyle said.
While, defence teams will officially close the presentation of evidence by 2 December 2025.
On the other hand, in Hashim Thaci's court case, Isni Kilajt, the Smajti Union, Fadil Fazlius and Hajredin Kuci, on charges of illegal influence against witnesses, the preparation conference for the trial is scheduled to be held tomorrow, November 28th, at 09:30.
“As usual, before planning the session there were consultations with both sides regarding their availability on this date. Since both sides confirmed availability and did not present objections, the session was scheduled for this” date, Doyle said.
Otherwise, Kosovo Specialised Chambers in The Hague every Thursday at 14:30, via online platform “Zoom” hold weekly information offering updated information on recent developments regarding judicial procedures and activities in this court. /Periscopi/
