Balkan Legal News
- Feb 5, 2021
- 3 min read
Media Round-Up: 23 January - 05 February 2021
The following media round up on international, legal and foreign policy issues from around the Balkans for the period of 23 January to 05 February 2021. The Guernica Group will provide bi-weekly media updates with a focus Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia . Should you wish to contribute or submit a media summary, opinion piece or blog, please send to Ned Vucijak at nenadv@guernica37.com for consideration.
Bosnian Serb Ex-Soldiers tried for crimes against Humanity- 3 February 2021
Six ex-Bosnian Serb Army soldiers went on trial at the Bosnian State Court in Sarajevo, for crimes against Humanity. The six ex-soldiers were accused of being involved in the attack against the village of Justice in May 1992 where dozens of people were killed.
Dodik questioned over icon case- 4 February 2021
Milodrag Dodik, Serbian member of the Bosnian presidency, admitted that he was summoned by the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia in regards to the case of the Ukrainian icon.
Milodrag Dodik sued by the Central Election Commission- 28 January 2021
The Central Election Commission has filed a lawsuit against Milodrag Dodik accusing him of inciting National hatred. If found guilty, it can carry a sentence of three months to ten years in prison.
Introducing Artificial Intelligence into the Serbian Justice system- 25th January 2021
Last month, Serbian President Alexander Vucic announced to the press that It would be imperative to introduce artificial intelligence into the Serbian Justice system. That “Predictive Justice” could be used as a valuable tool.
Salih Mustafa must remain in custody -26 January 2021
A Judge at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague ruled last week that Salih Mustafa must remain in custody in the Netherlands. The judge expressed concerns that if Mr Mustafa was released, he might interfere with witnesses.
Kosovo and Israel establish diplomatic ties- 1 February 2021
On the 1st of February 2021, Kosovo and Israel signed a joint declaration, via a Zoom call, establishing ties with each other. Kosovo’s request to open an embassy in Jerusalem was granted, despite controversy.
Albin Kurti Barred from the upcoming election – 26 January 2021
It is confirmed that the Former Prime Minister Albin Kurti has been barred, by the Kosovo Election Complaints and Appeal Panel, from running for president in the upcoming election.
Interview with Malcolm Simmons- 29 January 2021
Fatime Buzolli from Radio Television of Kosovo interviewed, former President of EULEX Judges Malcolm Simmons, about his time with EULEX and how the EULEX was handling the judicial processes in Kosovo as well as the accusations of being a whistleblower.
KOHA interview with Jack Smith-31 January 2021
Special Prosecutor Jack Smith insist that the indictments filed before the Special Court are not against Kosovo or the KLA, but are against individuals. In an interview with Saranda Ramaj, KOHA,
Mr Smith talks in length about the ongoing cases against former KLA members. He believes that the trial should start no later than September 2021, that would give the defence enough time to prepare, in his opinion.
Montenegro’s Prime Minister accuses Ex-officials of destroying secret documents- 2 February 2021
Special Prosecutor for organised crime Milivoje Katnic has started an investigation into claims that the former Montenegrin Government destroyed secret documents that prove illegal wiretapping. https://balkaninsight.com/2021/02/02/montenegro-probes-ex-officials-for-destroying-secret-documents/
Croatian tv Interviews Jonathan Taylor – 3 February 2021
Mr Taylor, a lawyer ,who in 2012 gave evidence against his former employee SBM was arrested in Croatia last summer on an Interpol red licence. He hasn’t been able to leave Croatia ever since. Mr
Jonathan Taylor was interviewed by Croatian Tv program RTL Potraga (search) in his current situation.
