Human Rights Watch’s report again referred to the establishment of the special court in Kosovo, with its headquarters in EU. The report says that the Parliament of Kosovo should approve the establishment of the special court with headquarters outside Kosovo to handle the serious accusations regarding crimes committed during and after the conflict, in the period between 1998–1999.
The issues to be investigated and prosecuted by the special court include war crimes, terrorism, organised crime, and corruption, stresses the report. The report also mentions organ trafficking, based on Dick Marty’s accusations. The report says that the victims include Serbs and those from the Roma community.
Regarding why this court would not have its HQ in Kosovo, the report explains that, despite the progress, the judicial system remains weak, with inadequate security for judges, staff and prosecutors. Therefore, the special court will lead its investigations based on those of the Special Task Force, which is dealing with the issue for several months now. Furthermore, this Task Force claims is in final phase of its investigations.
The most significant part of this report states that “important Kosovo politicians will be among the potential defendants.” According to this report, the special court will start with its initial processes this summer. “The establishment of this court outside Kosovo is necessary for the integrity and credibility of the process. Knowing that many witnesses have been threatened with murder and have even been eliminated in the past, no one would accept to be a witness in Kosovo,” said HRW director Lotte Leicht.
