Michalis Rokas, the European Union ambassador to North Macedonia, has raised strong concerns about the political pressure on the justice system. According to him, to move forward on the European path, the country must guarantee an independent judiciary, with sufficient human resources and full financial support.

During a conversation on the show “Rishtazi” on KohaCast, Rokas emphasized that the next EU Report on the state of the rule of law highlights positive steps, but at the same time points out essential shortcomings that continue to undermine the efficiency of justice.

Commenting on the content of the document, the ambassador acknowledged that progress has been made, especially with the approval of a series of essential laws. However, he noted that unresolved problems remain troubling. “Interference from politics is one of these issues. It is vital that the judiciary operates uninfluenced and produces results independently,” Rokas stated. He added that lack of staff and funds are two additional challenges that directly affect the system’s performance. “If we aim for a functional justice system, it must have the proper personnel and budget, as envisioned by the laws and the Constitution. These are the first three pillars that require urgent attention and are reflected in our annual report,” the diplomat continued.

Asked about the prime minister’s stance, who has stated that courts do not need more money, Rokas underlined that Brussels maintains an unchangeable line and that institutions must adhere to European standards. “Our position has been very consistent. Our reports every year speak bluntly about the necessity of strengthening the rule of law. Laws must be adopted according to regular procedures and this is part of the reform plan. At the same time, we ask politicians and party forces to distance themselves from comments and assessments of the work of judges and prosecutors,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, the ambassador stressed that the independence of justice is not ensured only through normative changes, but requires tangible investments in human resources and technological infrastructure. “The system must be able to recruit and retain young judges and prosecutors, as well as have the logistical and technological equipment to function. In my meetings on the ground, I have often heard complaints that justice is delayed or cannot be properly administered due to administrative obstacles. These problems are interconnected and cannot be solved separately,” he declared.

Finally, Rokas recalled that the current legal framework determines that the judiciary’s budget must be in accordance with constitutional norms. He pointed out that currently, the system benefits from only about 50 percent of the funds it is entitled to under the highest law. “We are fully aware that, at this moment, the judiciary receives only half the funding guaranteed by the Constitution,” concluded the top EU representative, Michalis Rokas.

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The trial in the case concerning the murder of Kosovo Police Sergeant Muhamet Lika has begun at the Basic Court in Ferizaj. The proceedings are being conducted against individuals charged with the criminal offense of “aggravated murder.”

The first hearing was presided over by Judge Ilir Bytyqi. In his initial statement, defendant Haki Bela pleaded not guilty to the criminal offense with which he is charged.

As the trial continues, testimony is expected to be heard from Nehat Lika, Sabedin Laçi, Pajazit Elezi, Armend Raka, Driton Dardhishta, Adriatik Vishi, Egzon Tusha, Elmedin Raka, Xhelal Çaka, Hamit Reçica, Nderim Osmani and Violeta Mulaku.

According to announcements made at the hearing, these witnesses are scheduled to be heard during the next stages of the proceedings.

The next hearing in the case was scheduled to take place today, starting at 09:00. The trial of the six defendants, who are accused of involvement in the police officer’s murder, was expected to continue.

On January 9 of this year, the Serious Crimes Department of the Basic Prosecution Office in Ferizaj filed an indictment against six people with the initials H.B., R.M., V.Ç., E.L., SH.K. and D.G.

The indictment states that on April 1, 2025, at around 23:00 in Kaçanik, the defendants, acting jointly, shot and killed Sergeant Muhamet Lika. According to the Prosecution, the crime had been planned in advance and also involved a minor.

The Prosecution has requested that, after all the evidence has been reviewed, the defendants be found guilty and receive the punishment prescribed by law. It has also requested that their pretrial detention be extended until the conclusion of the judicial proceedings.

The case remains under review by the judicial authorities.

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The Basic Court in Ferizaj will hold the next hearing in connection with the murder of Kosovo Police Sergeant Muhamet Lika.

The trial of six defendants accused of involvement in the police officer’s murder is expected to continue today at 09:00.

The indictment against the individuals identified by the initials H.B, R.M, V.Ç, E.L, SH.K and D.G was filed on January 9 of this year by the Serious Crimes Department of the Basic Prosecution Office in Ferizaj.

The indictment alleges that on April 1, 2025, at around 23:00 in Kaçanik, the defendants, acting jointly, shot and killed Sergeant Muhamet Lika. According to the Prosecution, the crime had been planned in advance and also involved a minor.

After all the evidence has been reviewed, the Prosecution has requested that the defendants be found guilty and receive the punishment prescribed by law. It has also requested that their pretrial detention be extended until the conclusion of the judicial proceedings.

The case remains under consideration by the judicial authorities.

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Minister of Justice Jeton Shasivari met with the Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation in Skopje, Mihalis Rokas, reaffirming the state’s commitment to a new momentum in the European integration process, with a special focus on justice.

During the conversation, the parties reviewed the progress of reforms in the judicial sector, the consolidation of the rule of law, and the fulfilment of obligations arising from the Reform Agenda and Cluster “Fundamentals”.

Minister Shasivari highlighted the Ministry’s determination to follow the recommendations of the European Commission, while the contribution of the European Union through IPA instruments for the empowerment and digital modernisation of the justice system was emphasised. Both interlocutors agreed to continue the partnership with the aim of deepening reforms in line with EU standards.

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The Basic Court in Pristina, through its Serious Crimes Department, has confirmed that the initial hearing in the criminal case involving the clash between the rival groups will be held today. The hearing will be presided over by Judge Fatime Dermaku, chair of the trial panel, and is scheduled for 09:00.

The defendants in this case, Endrit Llapashtica and Dardan Marevci, will be tried in absentia. The Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina justified the request on the grounds that neither individual had been available to the justice authorities by the time the indictment was filed. The indictment is dated February 12, 2026, and bears the reference number PP.I.nr.178/2024.

According to the indictment, Endrit Llapashtica is accused of jointly committing the criminal offense of “Aggravated Murder.” Both he and Dardan Marevci are also individually charged with unlawful possession of weapons, specifically the offense of “Unauthorized Ownership, Control or Possession of Weapons.”

In its public notice, the court called on the defendants to surrender to the authorities of the Republic of Kosovo. All citizens with information about their whereabouts are also urged to provide it to the Kosovo Police or other competent institutions. The hearing summonses and the full indictment have been made available on the court’s official website and in the Official Gazette.

The case is linked to a violent armed clash between the “Capat” and “Sekiraqët” groups, motivated by revenge, in which P.G. was killed. A previous court hearing related to the conflict was unsuccessful in April because the psychiatric evaluation of defendant Valdrin Ademi had not yet been completed.

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Representatives of justice institutions, the Kosovo Judicial Council and the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council, as well as representatives of prosecutors’ offices and other stakeholders, took part in the conference to develop a professional dialogue on the functioning of the judicial system in northern Kosovo following the departure of judges, prosecutors and administrative staff from the Serb community.

Andrea Lako, Head of the Justice Section at UNMIK, said that despite the difficulties, investments in the judicial system have helped strengthen trust in justice institutions.

“Integration remains one of UNMIK’s main priorities. A judicial system that reflects Kosovo’s diversity is essential, not only for improving access to justice for all communities, but also for fostering trust, strengthening interethnic relations and contributing to long-term stability,” Lako said.

ACDC Executive Director Dushan Radakoviq assessed that returning to institutions is essential, while the engagement of new personnel from the Serb community in the north would, according to him, constitute an important step.

“I think bringing people back to work is important, as this process could also encourage the return of a number of police officers and restore the trust of communities in the north in the institutions. The law is the same for everyone, regardless of who is involved. Institutions are the ones that should serve and help citizens. The judicial and prosecutorial systems are among the state’s main institutions,” he stressed.

It was also said that this conference creates space for the exchange of opinions and experiences among relevant stakeholders, for identifying the main obstacles and for strengthening trust in the justice system.

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