Qelaj after the Hague verdict: Justice can be restored on appeal

Following the verdict against the former KLA leaders, Ombudsman Naim Qelaj said that reviewing the case on appeal remains the only possibility for restoring justice.

According to Qelaj, Kosovo’s institutions must pay greater attention and demand accountability for the actions and decisions of the Special Court.

“I believe that injustice has already been done. The only way to restore justice is for a fair decision to be made,” he said.

The Ombudsman emphasized that the justice of a trial cannot be confined to a formal legal conclusion. According to him, it must stem from an independent and impartial process capable of gaining the public’s trust.

“Public trust is of essential importance. Considering the public reactions, I can say without any doubt that the Court has failed to establish this trust among the citizens of Kosovo,” Qelaj said.

He called on the defense to engage vigorously during the appeals process, while the professional support teams should present concrete arguments that would help achieve a fair conclusion.

“As long as the public is not convinced that the verdict is fair, it cannot be said that justice has prevailed, either for the victims or for the accused,” Qelaj stated.

Finally, the Ombudsman warned that declaring an innocent person guilty would have serious consequences, not only for the accused but also for Kosovo’s legal and judicial system.