Ekaterina Trendafilova, President of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, has reaffirmed the court’s independence amid criticism and protests in Kosovo following the convictions of four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA/UÇK) leaders.
In a video statement, Trendafilova defended the court’s commitment to the rule of law, fair-trial standards and the protection of witnesses and victims. Her remarks come after Kosovo’s Assembly amended the law governing the Specialist Chambers, prompting renewed debate over the institution’s mandate and the verdicts against former KLA leaders.
Trendafilova said the court had faced disinformation about its independence and operations, as well as attempts to obstruct justice that had resulted in convictions and guilty pleas for witness intimidation.
She stressed that defendants are entitled to fair trials under internationally recognized standards and can challenge judicial decisions through appeals, including before the Specialist Chambers’ Court of Appeals, Supreme Court Panel and Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court.
According to Trendafilova, defendants have used these legal remedies and succeeded in a number of cases.
While acknowledging that criticism of judicial decisions is legitimate in a democratic society, she emphasized that judges must remain free from political pressure.
“The rule of law requires that no one can dictate to judges how to interpret and apply the law,” Trendafilova said.
She added that the Specialist Chambers would continue carrying out their mandate independently of external pressure and political interference, while calling on all parties involved to fulfil their obligations to uphold the rule of law.
