Saim Tahiraj: The Special Court must act without pressure; the KLA’s war cannot be used politically

Activist and publicist Saim Tahiraj has called for matters handled by Kosovo’s Specialist Chambers to be left in the hands of institutions and judicial procedures. He opposed protests, political interference and methods that, in his view, seek to influence public opinion.

Speaking to “Bota sot,” Tahiraj recalled that the court was established by the Assembly of Kosovo in cooperation with international partners, and that proceedings must therefore be conducted independently.

“The Specialist Chambers are an institution of Kosovo, established by the Assembly of Kosovo together with our international friends. Their powers have been defined by law, and decision-making must be separated from politics, pressure from political parties and the populism of the crowds.

The manipulation of citizens cannot continue. Protests, party pressure and interference by certain institutional segments do not replace justice. Decisions are not made through chants, gatherings or influence over public opinion, but in the courtroom, on the basis of evidence, the law and procedures,” he said.

According to Tahiraj, citizens should not be turned into a tool of pressure against the justice authorities. He also stressed that all defendants or persons against whom suspicions exist must undergo the relevant proceedings.

“The uninformed masses must not be used to exert pressure on the Specialist Chambers, whether for personal, group or political interests. Let this court carry out its duty. Persons who have been charged and those suspected of individual responsibility in cases involving crimes must face justice and conduct their defense in the place where legal matters are decided: in court.

The KLA represents a respected name for the Albanians of Kosovo, and its sacrifice cannot be used as a political shield to evade individual responsibility. Defending the KLA does not mean obstructing justice, while honoring its war cannot be turned into a demand for immunity for individuals,” Tahiraj added.

He also addressed the distinction between individual responsibility and the name of the Kosovo Liberation Army, saying that any alleged criminal act should be attributed to the responsible individuals and not to the organization as a whole.

“If a crime has been committed, responsibility lies with individuals. It cannot be hidden behind the name of the KLA. The emotions, symbols of the war and its sacred name must not be used for political or personal interests. The sacrifice of thousands of fighters and martyrs cannot serve as a shield for anyone.

People who declare that they are innocent must prove it in judicial proceedings. That is where the battle for justice must take place, not in the streets.

The street is not the place where justice is delivered, verdicts are overturned or people are declared innocent. The decision on justice is made in court,” he said.

In conclusion, Tahiraj repeated his appeal for the justice institutions to be respected and for proceedings to continue without populist or political influence.

“The Specialist Chambers must work free from political and populist pressure. The justice institutions must be respected and the proceedings must be concluded in accordance with the law. The legal battle is being fought in The Hague, not in the streets. The court, not the crowds, determines the outcome,” Tahiraj concluded in comments to “Bota sot.”