Witness protection remains an obstacle to the Kosovo judiciary, especially in cases of organized crime and war crimes, reports Radio Kosova. So far, according to the reports of international organizations, it is estimated that at least 12 protected witnesses of various judicial processes have been killed.
Joao Sousa, Spokesperson for Special Investigative Task Force (SITF) told Radio Kosova that concrete steps were taken to prevent the influence on witnesses. “The SITF has taken all necessary measures to maintain the confidentiality of the process and witnesses, in order to ensure that all work is carried out without interference. One of the main reasons that the headquarters of the Task Force is in Brussels, is to ensure the integrity of research and witness protection, “said Sousa.
Lydia Gall from Human Rights Watch said that Kosovo has a weak legal framework regarding witness protection program. “Witnesses do not feel safe to testify in certain sensitive issues related to organized crime and corruption. This is something that the authorities in Kosovo must treat very seriously, in order to improve the witness protection,” said Lydia Gall.
Kosovo has adopted the Law on witness protection in September 2012, but because of significant budget implications, until now, it was not implemented.
