If you have a case in the Basic Court, and you don’t like what the court decides at the end, you can always disagree with that decision... It’s your basic human right to disagree! Nevertheless, only disagreeing with the courts’ decisions will probably not be enough to turn the ruling in your favor, unless you also initiate the formal appeal process to right the wrong. That’s where Biljana Rexhiq comes in. She helps those who may think they’ve been wronged by the judiciary in a court case they are part of, and she helps them in their efforts to have the courts re-evaluate their previous decisions. 

Biljana Rexhiq, is the Head of the Minor Offences Division and part of the Judicial Panel at the Court of Appeals in Pristina, and also works in mixed teams in criminal cases. Over the past three decades, an increasing number of women have joined the legal profession, and Biljana Rexhiq is certainly a good example of successful women in the Judiciary.

She has been working as a judge since 1980, although, she graduated in journalism as well, she was more attracted to delivering justice. “It was very natural for me to follow the footsteps of my father and grandfather, who were both judges,” she says.

The justice system in Kosovo is organized in three levels: Basic Courts, Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.  Court of Appeals acts as a second level court, which means that it deals with cases received  after appeals from one of the basic courts.

According to Biljana, a particular challenge is the big number of cases. “In these circumstances you have to be yourself, professional, independent and impartial, depend only by the laws and respect human rights,” she explains.

It’s the people that motivate her and their expectation for justice. ”It is really bad when people lose faith in the judicial system”, says Rexhiq. “Maybe the expectations are higher than our capacities, but we cannot let this discourage us. Our decisions are affecting the people directly, and while applying the law, we should be very careful with the timing as well.  Every minute delayed is injustice for the parties”, she adds.

By principle, I do not regret my rulings, even though, threats are part of our everyday job”, she says smilingly.

“Fight before you give up”

A judge’s primary purpose should be to implement the law. Biljana’s personal goal is to serve the justice system with commitment and to the best of her knowledge. “It’s our legal and moral obligation that our knowledge, experience, energy and creativity be put in the service of justice. In this regard, I hold nothing back”, she says.

Nevertheless, Kosovo's judiciary needs the support and experience of the international judges and prosecutors, in order to achieve European standards. "Exchanging experiences and knowledge with colleagues is very important. We have really good cooperation with EULEX judges. I truly appreciate their support,” says Biljana.

The message that Biljana has for the young generations is that they should be independent, ethical and impartial. They should never stop learning and studying.  “I am always in trainings and I am a trainer myself at the Kosovo Judicial Institute”, she adds.

“If I wouldn’t be a judge, then I would definitely be in somewhere in the rule of law category. I will always serve justice,” she says.

Biljana Rexhiq is a beacon of hope to all those who want to "fight for justice”.  Through her dedication, hard work and commitment, she is able to help ensure that justice is served.