Special envoy from Brussels for the affair over corruption in EULEX will undergo investigation which will include as many as 18 people.
The EU High Representative Federica Mogherini has appointed an independent expert Jean-Paul Jacques for a special investigator in this case and he arrived to Kosovo. Sources in Brussels say that their work will include 18 key people in the European mission and the local special prosecutor’s office.
Wide checks
His focus will be allegations of corruption within the mission, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (EEAS). Jacques has a deadline of four months to investigate the details of the affair and prepare a report with recommendations on the future work of the EU mission in Kosovo. As Mogherini stated, the appointment of Jacques demonstrates the willingness of Brussels to fully disclose details of corruption charges.
At the same time, Maria Bamieh, EULEX prosecutor under suspension, said that the head of the Special Branch and European organizations Jonathan Ratel exerted pressure on her by blocking some of her investigations. Given the scope of the investigation ordered by Brussels, it is expected that Ratel will be investigated. Recall that he worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina, before Kosovo, where he was involved in many indictments that have proved unfounded.
– Ratel threatened me and tried everything to arrest me – said Bamieh for the Serbian daily newspaper Danas.
Obstructions in the work
She accused the prosecutor of obstructing her work, interference with the investigation and leaking information to criminals and politicians. Ratel, furthermore, did not want her to investigate the case of the American University; and together with chief prosecutor Jaroslava Novotna has prevented her investigation into a triple murder in Kosovo.
One of the persons who have been convicted of the crime, EULEX Judge Francesco Flori released from prison. It is argued that for the service, he received 300,000 euros in bribes. Bamieh has confirmed that she is being investigated and that they are trying to discredit her.
