Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) – Transparency International chapter in Kosovo, today published its report Waiting for Justice which again reinforces the need for better conditions in the judiciary sector through engagement of addditional judges in order to reduce the number of case backlog in courts. The report was discussed at the roundtable which was attended by representatives of courts, prosecutors and civil society.

KDI provides legal advice for witnesses, victims and whistleblowers of corruption, and as such throughout the year received reports from citizens that relate to the country’s justice system, in particular to the delays that they face until their cases reach the final verdict from justice institutions.

The cases that have been reported in KDI show that courts continue to shelter a large number of backlog unresolved cases, even since 1999. If a party, whether in civil, criminal, administrative or economic procedure does not receive a justice within a reasonable time, it is forced to find other ways of resolving their cases.

“Other ways may imply illegal options such bribery and favoritism, which consist of corruption”, noted Florent Spahija, legal advisor at KDI. 

Other findings in the report consists of economic cost that is caused to parties or institutions themselves as a result of procrastination in obtaining justice. Parties in such cases are double damaged, first as tax-payers than as parties in court procedure. 

Visar Sutaj from KDI stressed out that the report findings are based on a research conducted by KDI and on analyzing the statistics of Kosovo Judicial Institute (KJI) regarding case management in justice system. Furthermore, Visar added that “justice system needs more legal advisors and professional associates in order to decrease the number backlog of cases and too deliver justice to citizens. 

The representative of Kosovo Judicial Institute, Mr. Agim Maliqi said that for many of the recommendations that are listed in the report, concrete activities have begun, the number of judges in Basic Courts has increased to handle corruption cases,  whereas it is foreseen the training of these judges as well. Regarding to accountability, Mr. Maliqi stressed out that there are things to be improved, while noted that the new law provides tougher punitive provisions, for example, judges can now be dismissed due to low performance. 

Arton Demhasaj, director of “Çohu” organization, noticed that suspended sentence for corruption cases presents a corruption incentive, while  punitive provisions for corruption cases are low and alarming for prevention of organized crime and corruption. He also stressed prescription of cases, as main problem that still affects court’s work. 

 

The Advocacy and Legal Advice Center at KDI for victims and whistleblowers of corruption in KDI, enables citizens not only to directly meet the legal advisor, but offers a free toll number 0800 77 777, where citizens can report cases of corruption, whether they are witnesses or victims of such cases. Citizens can also report corruption via electronic mail at [email protected]