The Kosovo Specialist Chambers has defended judge Marjorie Maselo after it was reported that she had liked posts on social media that praised the good relations between France and Serbia.
Nacionale reported that the judge had liked a post on the LinkedIn network by French envoy to the Balkans, René Trocaz, who had announced a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and praised the relationship between France and Belgrade.
Maselo’s virtual support for this post raised concerns, especially considering that she is now part of the judicial panel in the case against Hashim Thaçi and others, who are accused of obstructing justice.
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers explained that Maselo’s action occurred before she was appointed as a judge at the Special Court.
“In response to your first question, we do not comment on social media activities of judges that occurred before they were appointed to the Specialist Chambers,” stated the response from the Specialist Chambers.
The institution also emphasized that there is an Ethics Code and rules that judges must adhere to.
After the reports, Judge Maselo’s like no longer appears on the LinkedIn post. She removed it, a move that could be seen as an attempt to avoid controversy.
The French envoy’s post that she had liked read: “Honored to be received in Belgrade by Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia, a few days after his successful visit to France. France stands by Serbia on its path to Europe.”
In both Kosovo and other countries, judges are not allowed to engage in political discussions to maintain their impartiality.
