Serious concerns about the functioning of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers have also been identified in a preliminary report by an independent international authority, as reported by KosovaPress.
The report highlights serious issues regarding the “length of pre-trial detention, the lack of real opportunities for early release, and restrictions on family communication as well as professional communication with defense teams.”
This was announced by the Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj, who said that the report by the “Bar Human Rights Committee of England & Wales” also confirms concerns previously raised by the Ombudsperson Institution itself.
Regarding detention and the limitation of rights during detention, the report notes serious concerns about the length of pre-trial detention, the lack of real opportunities for early release, and restrictions on both family and professional communication with defense teams. Furthermore, it states that release in the Netherlands, where the criminal proceedings are being conducted, is not possible, creating a structural barrier that places additional burden on the accused.
It also notes that the fact there have been very few early releases so far, despite several years having passed since the start of the process and since individuals were detained, allows these concerns to be viewed not only as allegations but also as concrete findings.
