OVL-KLA opposes Trendafilova: The Specialized Chambers have no authority over the Assembly

The Organization of War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army has reacted to today’s address by the president of the Special Court, Ekaterina Trendafilova, who spoke about the independence of the institution and the judges in The Hague.

In a public statement, OVL-KLA reminded Trendafilova that the authority to pass laws in Kosovo belongs to the Assembly.

According to the organization, it is unusual and ridiculous to claim that a court can determine for itself the law governing its activities. OVL-KLA emphasized that the Specialized Chambers were established by the Assembly of Kosovo and, for this reason, cannot have power over the institution that founded them.

The organization also stated that Trendafilova cannot lecture the Assembly on the rule of law while presenting her personal interpretation as indisputable. Such an approach, the statement said, constitutes arrogance.

OVL-KLA stressed that criticism of judicial decisions is a legitimate right and that it will not give it up. According to the organization, no court decision can deny the fact that the Kosovo Liberation War was just, while Kosovo’s freedom and statehood were built on the sacrifice of those who rose up against genocide.

In conclusion, OVL-KLA said that courts should not be turned into institutes of history, but should fulfill with dignity and professionalism the mission for which they were mandated. Regarding the Specialized Chambers, the organization claims that these two elements have been lacking.