Qelaj calls on institutions to focus on appeal for former KLA leaders

Ombudsman Naim Qelaj called on Kosovo’s institutions to take concrete steps regarding the trial of former KLA leaders at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

He said attention should turn to the appeal, while the state’s actions should be coordinated under a clear strategy. Qelaj said the battle in court has been lost, but stressed that the goal should be to seek justice from the court, not to play politics with it, as that is not in the interests of the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.

Qelaj cited legal amendments and the formation of a state team to coordinate efforts as possible steps. He also called on Kosovo to raise its concerns with the European Union and the Council of Europe and hold them accountable.

He said that whenever he has communicated with officials at the European Union and the Council of Europe, he has been told that they do not interfere in the justice system. However, according to Qelaj, these institutions appear to have set aside their responsibility to oversee whether courts uphold standards concerning the rule of law and human rights.