Following the resignation of former Special Prosecutor, Elez Blakaj, we as civil society organizations fully support the protest organized by the group of citizens for the dismissal of the chief prosecutor of the state, Alexander Lumezi. Mr. Blakaj’s resign letter gives signal of weak integrity of the justice system, in particular the state prosecution in the face of political interference, blackmail and threats, which also come from the state’s chief prosecutor.
Interventions of Chief Prosecutor Lumezi to avoid confronting high figures of politics with the justice process are alarming to the justice system in Kosovo. On the other hand, there are enough facts that we as civil society and citizens ask for its immediate resignation.
We strongly believe that only an independent justice system, with integrity and immunity from political interference, can guarantee the rule of law, which is a precondition for the functioning of a democratic state.
The resignation of Chief Prosecutor Lumezi would increase citizens’ confidence in independent justice, so we support the civic protest, and we demand that besides its dismissal, the vetting process in the justice system should begin as in all countries of the region.
We call on all citizens to protest today to guarantee an independent justice tomorrow!
Civil Society Organization:
Demokraci Plus – D+
Grupi për Studime Juridike dhe Politike-GLPS
Iniciativa për Progres – INPO
Instituti Columbus
Instituti D4D
Instituti Demokratik i Kosovës – KDI
Instituti GAP
Instituti i Kosovës për Drejtësi – IKD
Instituti INDEP
Instituti KIPRED
Lëvizja FOL
Organizata Çohu!
Qendra e Trajnimeve dhe Burimeve për Avokim-ATRC
Qendra për Ndihmë Juridike dhe Zhvillim Regjional- CLARD