IKD presents citizens’ initiative to amend the Criminal Code, backed by 12,120 citizens

The Kosovo Law Institute (IKD) today submitted to the Assembly of Kosovo a Citizens’ Legislative Initiative aimed at supplementing and amending the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo.

The documents were presented by IKD Executive Director Ehat Miftaraj, in his capacity as the representative of the Legislative Initiative, and by Naim Jakaj of IKD. The submission took place during a meeting with the Speaker of the Assembly, members of the Presidency and the leaders of parliamentary groups.

According to IKD, the initiative has received the support of 12,120 citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. This number is higher than the minimum threshold of 10,000 signatures required to exercise the citizens’ right to a legislative initiative.

The initiative includes two proposals concerning amendments and additions to the Criminal Code.

The first proposal provides for establishing criminal liability for the use of public funds and resources with the aim of securing electoral gain. This would apply when these resources are used to provide a political entity with an electoral advantage outside regularly established schemes, programs or obligations approved in advance.

The second proposal calls for criminal liability to be clearly established for the deliberate failure to implement final and binding decisions, as well as interim measures of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kosovo, by the persons responsible for implementing them.

The collection of signatures began on July 23, 2026, and ended on October 23, 2026. During this period, IKD organized informational activities and collected signatures in various municipalities across Kosovo, while also holding discussions with citizens, students and institutional representatives.

Alongside the initiative, IKD also submitted to the Assembly the draft law, the explanatory memorandum, the original signature lists, the relevant electronic documentation and the notice on the sources of funding for the initiative.

The institute expects the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo to process and review the Citizens’ Legislative Initiative in accordance with the Constitution and the Law on Legislative Initiatives.

IKD expressed its gratitude to all citizens who supported the initiative and contributed to this direct process of exercising their constitutional right to propose laws.