Last week, EULEX hosted a training on ‘Evidential issues surrounding the prosecution of terrorism-related offences: analysis of specific cases and sharing of good practices on digital forensics, the use of internet and turning intelligence into evidence’.

The two day training was for local prosecutors and judges and was conducted by the trainer, Prosecutor Barbara Sargenti, Deputy Prosecutor at National Antimafia and Counterterrorism Directorate in Italy.

The aim of the training was to enhance the expertise of Kosovo prosecutors and judges in the investigation of techniques of terrorism cases such as digital forensics and use of internet, and further how to ensure that information gathered through intelligence can be turned into evidence admissible in Court.

“Terrorism is a pandemic crime and one without borders where perpetrators always find new ways of conduct and new ways of doing propaganda to recruit people. To react, there must be new methodologies and new approaches in terms of investigative techniques, updating legal framework and updating policies to prevent this types of crime. Our aim is to increase the technical knowledge of our local colleagues in this field and focus on new strands of terrorism and the new criteria for this type of crime”, said Hugo Rascao, EULEX legal officer and project manager.

Over the course of the two days, participants addressed; the international legal framework on foreign terrorist fighters; digital forensics and use of internet in the investigation of terrorism cases; the purposes of prosecution and turning intelligence into evidence; and analysis of specific cases.

“The topic of international terrorism is a global issue which is why this training is so helpful. By exchanging information and experiences we can deepen our knowledge and help us in our profession”, said Rukije Shasivari, Kosovo prosecutor.

The training gave participants the opportunity to evaluate the use of evidence from intelligence-based sensitive information and increase their technical knowledge about the evidential issues which may impact the prosecution of terrorism cases. The interactive discussions also promoted an exchange of experience and lessons learned between the participants and the trainer.