Prishtina, November 13, 2019 – Group for Legal and Political Studies held today a Roundtable Discussion on the topic: “The Role of Supreme Court Decisions in Fighting Crime and Corruption: A Call for Disciplinary Measures for Judges”, held in Prishtina. The aim of this event was do disucss the legal effect of the Supreme Court’s decisions and the necessity for them to be effectively addressed by the lower level courts in Kosovo. In addition, the discussion also focused on the regional best practices in addressing such issues.

First to address the audience was Mr. Shawn Waddoups, the Director of INL for Kosovo. During his keynote speech, Mr. Waddoups stated that INL is determined to further support civil society in Kosovo, considering them crucial for towards improving country’s overall democratization and rule of law. “Our program continues to support organizations such as GLPS, that among others are incentivizing and helping young lawyers to develop further their careers”, he concluded.

In addition, Ms. Arberesha Loxha, the Executive Director of GLPS said that the efficiency of the justice system in Kosovo is highly questioned. “A considerably high number of cases were brought to the Supreme Court, and the latter has found that the criminal law was violated, however, no additional measures are undertaken for the protection of legality”, she stated.

On the other hand, Mr. Hasani, the former President of the Supreme Court said that Kosovo has failed to properly address the confiscation of illicit wealth, and remains behind countries in the region in this regard. “There is a need for substantial reforms for all mechanisms responsible for fighting corruption and organized crime, starting from Police, and all other rule of law institutions”, he concluded.

Mr. Laura Pula, a prosecutor at the Chief State Prosecutor Office, said there are two categories when there are requests for protection of legality. According to her, if those claims are filed by the defendants, then the court may return the case for retrial, but when presented by the relevant prosecutor, then it will only ascertain the legal violation.

This activity was also the Closing Event organized within the framework a one-year project titled: “Fostering Demand for Justice in Kosovo through an Informed Civil Society”, supported by the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), the US Department of State.

Panelists:

Mr.  Shawn Waddoups – Director of the INL Program for Kosovo;

Mr. Fejzullah Hasani – Former Chair of the Supreme Court;

Ms. Nesrin Lushta – Judge of the Supreme Court;

Ms. Laura Pula – Prosecutor at the Office of the State Prosecutor;

Mr. Artan Qerkini – Lawyer;

Mr. Labinot Lepeshtica – Coordinator of the Law Office, BIRN;

Ms. Arbëresha Loxha – Executive Director, GLPS.

Venue: Orion Conference Centre (str. Rexhep Luci, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo)