The Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC) has approved the request of Besim Kelmendi to be relieved of his duties as Acting State Chief Prosecutor, following a vote held during an extraordinary meeting on Monday.
With six votes in favor, the Council formally accepted Kelmendi’s request, bringing an end to his mandate as Acting State Chief Prosecutor, a position he had held amid ongoing legal and institutional disputes.
Decision Taken in Extraordinary Session
Kelmendi was not present at the meeting, as he is currently outside Kosovo. His formal request for dismissal was read aloud by KPC Chair Ardian Hajdaraj, who subsequently opened the matter for discussion and voting.
Following the approval of Kelmendi’s request, Hajdaraj proposed Agron Qalaj as the new Acting State Chief Prosecutor.
Dissenting Vote Recorded
The proposal to appoint Qalaj was opposed by KPC member Dardan Vuniqi, who cast the sole vote against the nomination, while the remaining members supported the proposal.
Institutional Context
Kelmendi’s departure comes in the wake of recent court rulings that annulled a previous KPC decision regarding his dismissal, creating institutional uncertainty within the prosecutorial system. His voluntary request to step down is widely seen as an attempt to de-escalate tensions and restore functional stability within the prosecution service.
The decision marks a significant development in Kosovo’s justice sector, as authorities seek to ensure continuity, legality, and public trust in key prosecutorial institutions.
