Pristina, May 28, 2025 –The Kosovo Law Institute (KLI) expresses regret over the continued systematic and institutional defense by the ruling party of high-ranking public officials who are under investigation for criminal acts of corruption. The ongoing statements by the acting ministers, Ms. Gërvalla and Ms. Haxhiu, following the action taken by the Special Prosecution at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, which provide institutional protection to individuals under investigation for corruption cases, seriously undermine the values and principles of the rule of law, good governance, and promote a culture of impunity. Political actors labeling prosecution actions as a “vile setup” or “revenge” are acting irresponsibly and attempting to discredit the work of Special Prosecution prosecutors.
As we have consistently emphasized, such statements constitute direct and unacceptable interference in the justice system, endanger the institutional independence of the Prosecution, and damage public trust not only in justice institutions but in the entire public system of the Republic of Kosovo. These declarations contradict the calls and recommendations published in local and international reports, which stress respect for the independence of justice institutions and the principle of separation of powers.
Using political positions to personally attack prosecutors performing their official duties in investigating corruption suspicions is a harmful practice that undermines the separation of powers and sets a dangerous precedent of impunity for high-ranking officials.
This practice contradicts constitutional principles and public expectations for an independent and impartial justice system. Moreover, such attacks set a negative example for citizens, particularly in a context where building public trust in justice institutions is essential. Instead of ensuring transparency and cooperation with justice bodies, government representatives and members of the Guxo party have chosen public confrontation to shield a minister from investigation.
Regardless of an individual’s position, no one is above the law. Any alleged abuse of public office must be investigated without interference or political pressure. This approach respects good governance standards and does not imply any presumption of guilt. Ms. Gërvalla’s statements constitute an attempt to intimidate and discredit law enforcement authorities, posing a serious risk to the democratic functioning of institutions. KLI emphasizes that such conduct threatens the rule of law in Kosovo. The positions of the acting minister and the Guxo party make the fight against corruption—which the Kurti 2 government claimed as a priority—even more difficult.
KLI reminds that justice reform cannot be achieved through pressure, attacks, or public vilification of prosecutors but through genuine policies based on institutional independence, transparency, and accountability. Attempts to delegitimize the work of the Prosecution do not constitute reform but rather a serious obstruction to it.
We call on all political actors, including the ruling party and acting ministers, to refrain from denigrating statements against the justice system, to allow competent institutions to perform their work independently and professionally, and not to use state institutions to protect personal or party interests. In a functional democracy, the Prosecution should not be attacked but supported in its pursuit of justice.