Donika Gërvalla responds to calls for her resignation and accusations of links to the Special Court

Justice Minister Donika Gërvalla was asked during a press conference about protesters’ and the opposition’s calls for her to resign, as well as accusations linking her to cooperation with the Special Court.

Gërvalla dismissed these claims, stressing that she has had no relationship with UNMIK, EULEX or the Special Court, either directly or indirectly.

She said the statements had been repeated so often that they had become tedious, as she had clarified the matter several times. According to her, there is no connection whatsoever with UNMIK, EULEX or the Special Court. Gërvalla added that people should wait a little longer, as the judgment is expected to be published soon, at which point the facts will become clear.

The minister said she expects those who, in her view, have labelled and accused her to examine the facts once the judgment is published.

Regarding criticism over her failure to respond after the first-instance judgment against former KLA leaders, Gërvalla said the Ministry of Justice was preparing for the next steps.

She denied having remained silent on the matter. According to Gërvalla, the prime minister had issued a statement on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo, while she and her team had begun working from the first day to prepare for the legal battle.

Gërvalla stressed that the issue of the Special Court should be treated as a legal process, not as a battle of statements in the media.

The minister acknowledged that the government could do more in this process. She said that all circumstances were currently being reviewed and analysed so that every official, within the scope of their position and responsibilities, could carry out their duties honestly and diligently.

Asked whether she had considered resigning following the protesters’ demands, Gërvalla replied that every citizen of the Republic of Kosovo has the right to call for a minister’s dismissal.

She underlined that this is a right guaranteed in a democratic state and added that she did not wish to comment on the call for her resignation. Gërvalla also said that it was not within her authority to impose a resignation on anyone, but neither was it within her authority to deny anyone the right to express their opinion.