Loading...
You are here:  Home  >  Articles from Kosovo media  >  Current Article

“Blakaj case” discourages reporting on corruption cases (Radio Free Europe)

By   /  22/08/2018  /  Comments Off on “Blakaj case” discourages reporting on corruption cases (Radio Free Europe)

    Print       Email

Civil society representatives and members of economic organizations in Kosovo argue that the recent resignation of prosecutor Elez Blakaj could be very discouraging for citizens and business to report on cases of corruption. Blakaj, who resigned several weeks ago, was investigating sensitive cases, especially those related to doubts about manipulations with the lists of former KLA veterans. Blakaj said he resigned due to pressure. Arian Zeka, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, told Radio Free Europe that research too shows that businesses are discouraged from reporting on cases of corruption. “Blakaj’s resignation, who did not conclude a process that he was leading, and cases of interference in the work of the judiciary, both have an impact on local and foreign investors and their perception about the independence of the judiciary,” Zeka said. He added that a study conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce showed that businesses do not trust enough the judiciary. “In every meeting we had with businesses, one of the most frequent questions asked by businesses is how they can trust the judiciary and institutions in general, when corruption cases are never concluded. The study also showed a high perception of corruption in the country,” Zeka said. The judiciary in Kosovo is highly criticized for inefficiency, for failing to conclude cases and for a high level of corruption. The latest Progress Report by the European Commission noted that the administration of the judiciary is slow and efficient, and that the judiciary remains exposed to political influence. Arton Demehasaj, director of the Organization for Democracy and Anti-corruption “Cohu” [Rise Up], told RFE that people will hardly report on cases of corruption with the current judiciary. “Even before the Blakaj cases, people and businesses were discouraged from addressing corruption cases to the judiciary because those cases were never addressed in time, they were delayed, and there was not a high level of trust in the judiciary. The latest case has just confirmed this,” he said. “We know that it is difficult to notice corruption cases if they are not reported, so the failure to report on such cases could lead to an even higher level of corruption. Above all, this can have an impact on the visa liberalization process.”

    Print       Email

You might also like...

CEC decides on vote recount in additional 530 polling stations (Telegrafi)

Read More →