Former Special Prosecutor Drita Hajdari has been awarded the French National Order of Merit by French President Emmanuel Macron. The award was presented on February 20, 2025, by France’s ambassador to Kosovo, Olivier Guérot, in recognition of Hajdari’s exceptional contributions to justice and her dedication to the values upheld by France.
Ambassador Guérot praised Hajdari’s distinguished career, beginning as a judge at the Municipal Court of Pristina (1984–1990), then as a lawyer, and later as a prosecutor. He emphasized her role in bridging generations and communities in Kosovo, speaking both Albanian and Serbian.
Guérot highlighted her time as National Coordinator Against Corruption and President of the Kosovo Prosecutors’ Association, noting the pressures and threats she faced but never yielded to. As a Special Prosecutor and head of the War Crimes Department from 2016 to 2023, Hajdari managed complex cases involving corruption, terrorism, and war crimes, achieving successful outcomes despite numerous obstacles.
Hajdari expressed her gratitude for the honor, reflecting on the guidance of her parents. She recalled her mother’s advice to judge “in the name of God,” ensuring decisions were based on law. She also shared the wisdom of her father, who told her to “look the wolf straight in the eyes” when facing challenges.
The French National Order of Merit is awarded to foreign nationals who have made significant cultural, economic, or scientific contributions to France or promoted causes such as human rights, press freedom, and humanitarian work. Hajdari retired from the Special Prosecutor’s Office in December 2023.
