Prime Minister Albin Kurti has publicly backed Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu’s call for the transfer of four Kosovars currently imprisoned in Serbia. Through a Facebook post, Kurti articulated Kosovo’s stance on its jurisdiction and commitment to justice.
In his post, Kurti emphasized that Kosovo possesses internationally recognized jurisdiction over crimes committed within its borders. He assured that Kosovo would guarantee an independent and impartial handling of any claims against its citizens.
“In the spirit of good neighborly relations, as outlined in the Basic Agreement for the Normalization of Relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which has been declared legally binding by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borell, our Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu has addressed the Serbian Justice Minister to transfer four Albanian prisoners in Serbia to the Republic of Kosovo,” Kurti stated.
The prisoners in question—Nezir Mehmetaj, Hasan Dakaj, Sadik Duraku, and Tefik Mustafa—are held in Serbian prisons on allegations of crimes committed during the Kosovo war. Kurti reiterated Kosovo’s stance on its legal authority over acts committed within its territory and the country’s commitment to high standards of justice and human rights.
“The Republic of Kosovo has internationally recognized jurisdiction over the treatment of acts committed within its territory. As a democratic state that protects and ensures human rights beyond European standards, our republic will ensure independent and impartial treatment for any claims against its citizens,” Kurti wrote.
This move highlights Kosovo’s ongoing efforts to assert its judicial sovereignty and commitment to fair treatment of its nationals, even in complex and politically sensitive situations involving its neighbor, Serbia.
Background
The request for the transfer of these prisoners comes amid ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, rooted in the conflict of the late 1990s and subsequent efforts for normalization of relations. The Basic Agreement for the Normalization of Relations, mediated by the EU, aims to foster better cooperation and resolve lingering disputes between the two countries.
Justice Minister Haxhiu’s formal request to her Serbian counterpart aligns with these broader efforts and underscores Kosovo’s determination to handle its legal matters independently.
