During today’s protest in Pristina against the perceived injustices of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, former Hague investigator Nevenka Tromp known for her work in the case against Slobodan Milošević, the “Butcher of the Balkans” addressed the gathered crowd with a powerful speech.
Tromp explained the original reasons behind the creation of the Special Court and why, in her view, this protest is entirely legitimate and justified.
“Delayed justice is denied justice. This is not a slogan, it is a painful reality you’ve been facing for years. For justice to be accepted, it must have legitimacy. We know that justice can be either subjective or objective, but it must be led by independent institutions,” she said.
She emphasized that courts and legal professionals must act without political interference and uphold professional standards.
“Courts, laws, and professionals must act impartially and with professionalism. When justice is applied selectively, it risks becoming injustice. In such cases, trials don’t uncover the truth — they appear orchestrated. This is especially dangerous when justice institutions feel compelled to serve political narratives.”
Recalling the early days of the Hague processes, Tromp pointed out that in 2020, Kosovo’s political leaders voluntarily appeared before the Specialist Chambers with faith in international justice.
“In 2020, your leaders went voluntarily, believing — like all of you — that justice would be swift. They were assured that the process would be impartial and transparent. Yet here we are, five years later, and they are still in detention, with no verdict in sight.”
Tromp also reminded the crowd that the very same leaders now detained were the ones who had supported the creation of the Specialist Chambers in the first place.
“It was precisely your leaders who supported the creation of these chambers. They did so knowing the risks it posed to every wartime fighter. Why? Because they believed in their cause. They believed the war they fought was just.”
