The Humanitarian Law Center Kosovo (FDHK) discussed the report “War Crimes Trials in Kosovo – What Challenges Still Face These Processes?”
Ilir Morina, Head of the War Crimes Department at the Special Prosecution, revealed that in 2024, 14 indictments had been filed against 25 individuals for war crimes.
“Just in the first quarter of 2025, we have four indictments against six individuals. Especially since 2023, we have made significant progress in addressing war crimes. For 2023-2024, we have around 30 indictments, the highest number ever addressed. In total, we have filed 14 indictments in absentia, and there are 12 more indictments that are still in court, inherited from UNMIK and EULEX. This brings the total to 26 indictments that are in absentia and are awaiting trial. One of our major challenges is addressing the need to translate every document into Albanian or Serbian and vice versa, due to the shortage of translators,” said Morina.
Amer Alija, a representative from the Humanitarian Law Center in Kosovo, reported that in 2024, 34 cases were processed against 98 members of the Serbian forces, and one case against two members of the KLA.
“This includes 14 indictments against 72 members of the Serbian forces, which are in absentia,” said Alija.
Vigan Qorrolli, Deputy Minister of Justice, mentioned that 15 out of the 35 monitored cases are in absentia trials, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims of war crimes. He stated that a strategic plan for transitional justice is a priority for the Government of Kosovo.
“This issue is very important to show not only to the local public but also to the international community that the Republic of Kosovo now has its entire state and public infrastructure in place, including constitutional and legal frameworks, to address these cases. I have carefully reviewed the recommendations from the prepared report. Of the 35 monitored cases, I noticed that 15 are in absentia trials. Naturally, war criminals must be brought to justice. Trials in absentia are a significant step in achieving justice for the victims. The war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Kosovo’s war by the Serbian state have left deep scars, not only for those who directly experienced them but also for society as a whole. For the first time, 25 years after our country’s liberation, the government has prioritized creating a strategic document for transitional justice, which will address severe human rights violations,” said Deputy Minister Qorrolli.
Albina Shabani-Rama, President of the Basic Court in Pristina, stated that there has been an increase in the number of indictments as well as efforts to improve professional capacities and expand support staff to handle these cases.
“The handling of war cases in court has taken on a different dynamic because the number of indictments has increased, and the handling of these cases has evolved. It has been six years since the special department became responsible for handling war crime cases. It has been a new field for us, requiring new experiences. As a court, we have been responsible for increasing our professional capacities and expanding the support staff to ensure these cases are prioritized,” said Shabani-Rama.
