Specialized Chambers decline Ombudsperson’s invitation

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers has announced that it will not participate in the discussion table where findings and recommendations regarding the Special Court and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office were to be addressed. The meeting was organized at the invitation of the Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj.

In its official response, the institution referred to Article 162, paragraph 11, of the Constitution of Kosovo. According to the interpretation presented, responsibility for the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office lies with the Ombudsperson of the Specialist Chambers.

The statement considers participation in the table organized by Qelaj inappropriate, on the grounds that oversight and protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons interacting with the Specialist Chambers are the exclusive responsibility of that institution’s Ombudsperson, Pietro Spera.

Qelaj’s invitation aimed to discuss the findings and recommendations that emerged from the ex officio actions of the Ombudsperson Institution in Kosovo, regarding the Special Court and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office.

The refusal highlights institutional differences over competencies in overseeing and protecting human rights within the Special Court, as well as over the role that the Ombudsperson of Kosovo should have in this process.