The Chairman of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC), Ardian Hajdaraj, emphasized that the dismissal of Besim Kelmendi from the position of Acting Chief State Prosecutor is lawful. He welcomed Kelmendi’s decision to pursue legal avenues to challenge the legality of this decision.
Hajdaraj stressed that any attempt to obstruct the work and functioning of the KPC constitutes an attack on the institution’s operations and a threat to legal order and security, Ekonomia Online reported.
He denied claims that some KPC members have felt threatened and requested protection from the Kosovo Police.
“Due to the one-sided and denigrating positions taken by Kelmendi, his unifying role has been significantly diminished. For this reason, we decided to dismiss him. Consequently, the prosecutorial system remained without a formally appointed Chief Prosecutor. We appointed Agron Qalaj in his place, and we welcome Kelmendi’s approach to follow all legal channels. We must trust the judicial system. Any attempt to obstruct work constitutes a direct attack on institutions and a threat to law and order. In this way, he did not fulfill his duties according to the Constitution and the law… I inform you that according to KPC law, each council member is independent… Referring to the statement of council members during that press conference that they felt threatened and requested protection from the AKI and other security agencies, this is a false impression. No one has been threatened, intimidated, blackmailed, or influenced by any form of illegal decisions… Our differences should be resolved through communication and coordination; there is no room, and there will be no room, for division within the prosecutorial system. We call on the President, the government, and any other institution not to interfere in the work of the prosecutorial system and to respect institutional independence,” Hajdaraj said.
He added that he respects and cooperates with the EU but declined to comment on statements from civil society organizations that have challenged Kelmendi’s dismissal.
“We respect and cooperate with the EU, we have respected the law, and we support adherence to the law. We do not comment on civil society statements. As you know, this matter will go to court, and for us, every court decision is debatable. We are acting in accordance with the law; our decision is public. Today, I learned that Kelmendi has filed a lawsuit, and we await the court’s decision,” he stated.
