Bill on the Specialist Chambers published: Here are the proposed changes

The bill amending the Law on the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office has been published on the official website of the Assembly of Kosovo.

The initiative, which has already received approval at first reading, includes a series of significant changes to the powers and functioning of the Specialist Chambers.

Among the main proposals is a narrower definition of the Specialist Chambers’ jurisdiction, linking it to the specific allegations presented in the 2011 report of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The bill also provides that the period under jurisdiction would run from July 1, 1999, to December 31, 2000, while territorial jurisdiction would be limited solely to alleged crimes committed in the territory of Kosovo.

Another change concerns the maximum sentence, which is proposed not to exceed 15 years in prison.

Cases that, following the change in jurisdiction, would no longer fall under the authority of the Specialist Chambers would be transferred to Kosovo’s institutions.

The changes also provide for the possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court of Kosovo on matters relating to jurisdiction.

According to the bill, convicted persons could serve their sentences in Kosovo, while those convicted by a final judgment could benefit from a presidential pardon.

Following the entry into force of the changes, a review of jurisdiction for existing cases is also envisaged.

The Assembly of Kosovo approved the bill at first reading with 91 votes in favor, with no votes against and no abstentions. The LDK did not take part in the vote.

It is not yet known whether the bill will be considered at second reading today.