“I expect that based on the testimony of over 400 witnesses Clint Williamson collected enough information about the kidnappings, killings, and trafficking in organs, i.e., crimes committed since 1998 till 2000 against the Serbian and other non-Albanian victims,” says Serbian War Crimes prosecutor, Vladimir Vukcevic. He added that Williamson’s special team investigated trafficking in organs in nine countries in the region, but also in Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. “The investigation continues in the wake of our findings and the report of Dick Marty and Jean Charles Gardetto,” says Serbian prosecutor.
Did Clint Williamson inform you about the results of the investigation? How do you assess the progress of investigation?
We spoke on Tuesday, on two occasions; officially in my office, and informally at dinner. I think that huge and important work that started in January 2008 was successfully completed. We are particularly satisfied, because we think that our claims have been proven. On the other hand, our collegial agreement with Williamson was not to make public any information, until the report will be officially presented.
You said that the Office of the War Crimes submitted clear evidence for the 300 people who were victims of trafficking in organs. Did Williamson’s team manage to find the perpetrators of these crimes?
While investigating the fate of 300 – 500 missing non-Albanians, we found out that they were victims of war crimes, and presumably their organs were forcibly removed for the purpose of sale. We have informed Dick Marty, and later special investigation team. I recall that at that time, in northern Albania prevailed anarchy, with strong mafia groups. Trafficking in arms, people and drugs was widespread, and trafficking in human organs extremely profitable.
If no one will be prosecuted for “Yellow House” case, or trafficking in human organs, will it be due to lack of evidence, lack of engagement of special team for investigation, political pressure … or something else?
I believe that team of Mr. Williamson showed remarkable professionalism and did not succumb to any political pressure.
Do you expect that there will be indictments and arrests relating to trafficking in human organs? If this does not happen, can Serbian prosecution continue to deal with the case, or the case will be terminated if the results of Williamson’s investigation show that there is not enough evidence?
I would not prejudge. We’ll wait for the official results of the investigation.
According to the evidence that Serbian War Crimes Prosecution submitted to Williamson, how many indictments, for war crimes in Kosovo, and trafficking in human organs could be opened? Is among those who committed crimes or ordered it, name of any politician? Maybe Kosovo Prime Minister, Hashim Thaci, whose name is mostly mentioned?
It depends on the evidence collected. Before we submitted the data to Williamson, we found the evidence that war crimes were committed, but we also determined who might be held responsible. Now it is the time that international community establishes a court for the KLA crimes.
What will be the cooperation of the Serbian Prosecutor with the Special Court, which should be established in Kosovo, and which should work on the case of trafficking in organs? Do you already have some contacts or information when the court will be formed?
The Court for Kosovo should be established in the Netherlands, at the beginning of 2015. The international Court panels will judge according to the domicile law. The resolution of the Kosovo parliament, according to which it agreed to establish the Tribunal was made in an atmosphere of extreme international pressure, particularly Europe and United States. The atmosphere nowadays is completely different compared to 2008, when we tried to investigate with Albanian colleagues these events. At least that’s how I understood the statement of Artifete Jahjaga, after meeting with Williamson in Pristina, on Monday, when she said that Kosovo is ready to meet its obligations, in order to complete the investigation process.
What was the reason of Williamson’s visit to Pristina and Serbia?
As I understood it, that was a visit of a prosecutor, the top professional, who became the head of the EU Special Investigation Team with the experience of U.S. ambassador for war crimes. That was really fair from him, to inform the government and judicial authorities in Belgrade and Pristina about results of the investigation he led. I especially appreciate his commitment to address one of the key problems of all previous investigations, and that is protection of witnesses.
When Williamson will issue a report and which will be subsequent moves of Serbian Prosecution?
The report will be published on 28 July in Brussels, and I am sure that it will be a confirmation of a genuine effort to bringing those responsible to justice. In particular, it will be a blow to those who have covered up the investigation for 15 years and we will continue to work on this case, to the highest possible extent and within our jurisdiction.
