17 March 2016
Today, EULEX, EUSR, and senior Kosovo judicial officials, including the Minister of Justice, had planned to convene the Joint Rule of Law Coordination Board (JRCB) to review progress and strengthen the joint approach to rule of law in Kosovo. In an interview televised last night, Kosovos Minister of Justice opined on the merits of a high-profile criminal case currently before the Court of Appeals and questioned a verdict taken by judges at the Basic Instance Court. EULEX emphasizes that such statements can be perceived as intimidation and political interference. Kosovo authorities must ensure that the judiciary receives proper support to adjudicate in a dispassionate environment. Following the statement by the Minister of Justice, todays JRCB meeting was postponed to a later date.