The Kosovo Prosecution Council (KPK) has decided on Friday, October 2, to remove Blerim Isufaj from the position of Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo.
The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the KPK, after examining the case and evaluating the institutional and professional circumstances.
According to the KPK, the decision was made on the basis of the circumstances that, according to the Council, were ascertained and documented during the relevant procedure.
The KPK has listed several reasons for Isufaj’s removal from the Special Prosecutor’s office, including mismanagement of the institution, incompetence in the exercise of the function, failure to fulfill legal duties and responsibilities, as well as failure to meet the required performance standards.
“The KPK assesses that in exercising the function of the Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution, the following circumstances have been evidenced and ascertained, among others: mismanagement of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo; incompetence in the exercise of the function of the Chief Prosecutor; failure to fulfill the duties and responsibilities defined by law for the position of the Chief Prosecutor; non-fulfillment of the required performance standards”, the decision of the KPK states.
The Council has emphasized that it does not consider these as general assessments or political considerations, but as circumstances directly related to the exercise of the function and legal responsibilities of the Chief Prosecutor.
“Also, the KPK emphasizes that these do not constitute general evaluations or political considerations, but circumstances directly related to the exercise of the function, the legal responsibilities of its bearer and the professional and institutional standards required for the management of the Special Prosecutor’s Office”, the decision states.
After the departure of Isufaj from the post of Chief Prosecutor, the KPK has appointed prosecutor Dren Paca as acting Chief Prosecutor of the Special Prosecution.
Paca will exercise this duty until the position is filled through the procedures defined by the legislation in force.
“The appointment of the Acting Officer aims to ensure the immediate continuity of the institutional functioning, the uninterrupted exercise of the powers of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the guarantee of efficiency in the handling of criminal cases”, the decision states.
Meanwhile, Blerim Isufaj does not leave the Special Prosecutor’s Office. After the dismissal from the leadership position, he will continue to exercise the function of the prosecutor in this institution.
