Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK) MP Vlora Çitaku has sharply criticized Specialist Chambers President Ekaterina Trendafilova following her video statement defending the court’s independence, witness protection, and commitment to the rule of law.
Çitaku said that under Trendafilova’s leadership, the Specialist Chambers had seriously undermined public trust in justice. She argued that concerns raised by international experts over equality of arms, human rights violations, and independent monitoring require concrete answers, not self-congratulatory statements.
“Independence does not place you above the law. The international origin of judges is not a certificate of infallibility. Titles, oaths, and videos cannot replace the professionalism and justice you are expected to demonstrate,” Çitaku wrote.
She called on Trendafilova to face journalists, answer difficult questions, and take responsibility for how she has led the court. Criticism, she argued, cannot simply be dismissed as “disinformation” while the court’s leadership speaks without being challenged.
“Kosovo will not remain silent, nor will it back down,” Çitaku declared, pledging support for the former KLA leaders’ defence on appeal and promising to challenge any injustice through all legal and institutional means.
“Justice does not become justice simply because it is pronounced in The Hague,” she added, insisting that concerns over defendants’ rights and judicial accountability must not be ignored.
