On 12 January, a five-judge Panel (three EULEX judges and two Kosovo judges) of the Supreme Court of Kosovo issued a verdict which concluded all pending criminal cases inherited, at this level, from UNMIK.

Some of these inherited case files relate to crimes that happened more than ten years ago.

These proceedings were appeals at second instance, third instance, and requests for protection of legality. The charges in these criminal cases vary from war crimes to money laundering, organized crime, acts of terrorism, accepting bribes etc. In the meantime, the EULEX Supreme Court Team had to deal with interim appeals from other pending cases Kosovo wide.

The President of the Assembly of EULEX Judges Maria Giuliana Civinini said that this was a very important step for EULEX. “The reduction of the so-called ‘UNMIK legacy’ has been one of our priorities since EULEX reached Initial Operational Capability in December 2008 and it was done in good cooperation with Kosovo judges. We are also pleased to say that this important step is expected be achieved by all EULEX Judges Teams at District Court Level in the near future,” said Mrs. Civinini.

The first trial with EULEX involvement in the Supreme Court was held on 10 March 2009 and the first verdict was issued on 12 March 2009.
Five EULEX criminal judges, 2 legal officers and 1 legal advisor for criminal matters are currently working at the Supreme Court, which is completed by a team of other international and local colleagues and support staff.

Press Contacts:

Christophe Lamfalussy, Head of EULEX PPIO, +377 44 960 109
Kristiina Herodes, Justice Spokesperson, +377 44 702 689