The Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC) announced on Friday that it had decided to remove Blerim Isufaj from his position as Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo.
According to the KPC, the decision was taken after reviewing the matter and assessing the institutional and professional circumstances, pursuant to the Law on the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council.
The council said it had identified what it described as mismanagement of the Special Prosecution, incompetence in the exercise of his duties, failure to fulfill legal responsibilities, and failure to meet required performance standards during Isufaj’s tenure.
The KPC emphasized that the grounds cited in its decision were directly related to the exercise of the position, legal responsibilities, and the professional and institutional standards required to lead the Special Prosecution.
Following his removal as chief prosecutor, Isufaj will remain a prosecutor within the Special Prosecution.
The KPC has meanwhile appointed prosecutor Dren Paca as acting Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution until the position is filled through the legally prescribed procedures.
The council said the appointment is intended to ensure continuity in the operation of the Special Prosecution and uninterrupted handling of criminal cases.
In its statement, the KPC also expressed concern over the institutional efficiency of the Special Prosecution, saying that its management, particularly over the past four years, had contributed to a weakening of institutional efficiency and results.
The council said it would take the necessary measures to restore efficiency and strengthen the professional and managerial capacities of the Special Prosecution.
According to the KPC, particular attention will be given to combating organized and transnational crime, including migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and the activities of criminal organizations.
