Skenderaj Mayor, Sami Lushtaku, who is in detention, has a problem with commissioning of an international lawyer to defend him. Kosovo Chamber of Lawyers has temporarily rejected the license for the Israeli lawyer, Nick Kaufman, who is trying to defend Lushtaku in the case known as the “Drenica Group”.
Chamber of Lawyers has asked the Ministry of Justice to clarify whether there is a reciprocity agreement between the countries for such a thing.
Driton Lajçi, advisor to Justice Minister Hajredin Kuçi, confirmed however to KTV that Kosovo and Israel do not have such an agreement.
Under these circumstances, Kosovo Chamber of Lawyers announced it will not grant a license to Kaufman.
Sami Lushtaku has stopped cooperation with defence lawyer, Arianit Koci, without finding out whether Nick Kaufman will be licensed.
“I have left the international lawyer a good basis for further professional action”, said Koci.
Coordinator of Lushtaku’s defence team, businessman Rrustem Rukolli, did not wish to comment on the issue, KTV reported.
Apart from Sami Lushtaku, Sylejman Selimi has also hired an international lawyer to represent him.
Gregory Guy Smith has been licensed and together with Tomë Gashi will from now on make the defence team of the former KLA commander.
