Kosovo Judicial Council rejects reinstatement of Serbian judges

Kosovo Judicial Council Serbian judges judicial resignations multietnic judiciary Albulena Haxhiu

The Kosovo Judicial Council (KGJK) has officially rejected requests from Serbian judges and administrative staff to rescind their 2022 resignations and return to their positions. The decision was reached with nine votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. Following this ruling, the names of the affected individuals will be sent to acting President Albulena Haxhiu to formally confirm their removal from duty.

Acting President Haxhiu welcomed the KGJK's proposal to relieve the Serbian judges of their duties. However, the European Union expressed deep concern, stating that the decision appears incompatible with Kosovo law, the regular legal process, and the requirements for the rule of law. The EU emphasized that Kosovo's judicial system must reflect its multi-ethnic society and urged all actors to create conditions for a multi-ethnic judiciary in line with EU-facilitated dialogue commitments.

The OSCE also weighed in, warning that Pristina must ensure Serbian participation in judicial institutions and called on the KGJK to fill vacant positions through transparent and merit-based recruitment processes to ensure effective access to justice for all communities.

Entities

Afërdita Bytyqi · Albulena Haxhiu · Artan Abazi · Avdirrahman Gashi · European Union · Ismail Tasholli · Kosovo · Kosovo Judicial Council · OSCE · Rrustem Thaqi · Serbia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The OSCE called on the KGJK to fill vacant positions quickly through transparent procedures. balkaninsight.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Afërdita Bytyqi was elected as the deputy chair of the KGJK.
[● 2 SOURCES] Afërdita Bytyqi's mandate as deputy chair is for three years.
[● 2 SOURCES] Ismail Tasholli is organizing marches in Pristina and The Hague regarding the Special Court verdict. gazeta10.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The Kosovo Judicial Council (KGJK) rejected requests to reinstate Serbian judges and staff who resigned in 2022. atvlive.tv · balkaninsight.com · radiomitrovicasever.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The KGJK decision to reject the reinstatements was made with 9 votes in favor, 1 against, and 1 abstention. atvlive.tv · balkaninsight.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Avdirrahman Gashi was arrested on suspicion of abuse of office.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Kosovo Judicial Council (KGJK) has suspended judge Avdirrahman Gashi.
[● 3 SOURCES] Acting President Albulena Haxhiu welcomed the proposal to relieve the Serbian judges of their duties. balkaninsight.com · radiomitrovicasever.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The European Union expressed deep concern regarding the KGJK decision, stating it appears incompatible with Kosovo law and the rule of law. www.arbresh.info · veriu.info