Return of Serbian prosecutors rejected by KPK – Burjani: Return cannot be automatic

The Kosovo Prosecutorial Council has rejected the request of five Serbian prosecutors and 15 administrative staff of the Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica to return to their positions, following resignations submitted in November 2022 during the mass abandonment of Kosovo institutions.

At that time, around 130 judges, prosecutors, and administrative staff withdrew from the justice system, while members of the Kosovo Police and local officials in the four northern Serb-majority municipalities—North Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zvečan, and Zubin Potok—followed the same path.

This organized action came in response to the Kosovo Government’s decision to replace Serbian vehicle license plates with those of the Republic of Kosovo, an initiative backed by the Serbian List, the main local Serb party funded by Belgrade.

According to jurist Blerim Burjani, the process of reviewing return applications should be based on an objective analysis, taking into account the reasons for leaving and the possible influences of criminal groups.

Burjani emphasizes that the return should not happen immediately, but in accordance with legal procedures through an open competition, where each applicant has equal chances and promises to act independently of political influences.

“A real and objective assessment is needed, analyzing the intentions and reasons for leaving, the incitement or pressure on them from the criminal structures of Radoičić and Vučić. I think facts and circumstances must be balanced. The request for return must be based on the laws in force. I think a competition should be opened and all those worthy of exercising work independent of politics should apply,” he told “Bota sot”.

“So, I think they, as part of the application, should sign a sworn statement to perform their duties independently of politics and political emotions. I think in a public competition everyone has the right to apply, but not to demand to return as if nothing happened, meaning an automatic return without reasons and motives,” he added.

Meanwhile, the acting President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, announced that she has signed decrees for the dismissal of seven prosecutors from the Serb community, following the decision of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council.