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Serbia approves draft law on Serbian judicial jurisdiction in Kosovo RTKLive 3–4 minutes _____ The Government of Serbia announced on Monday that it has approved a draft law concerning the organization and jurisdiction of Serbian judicial authorities in prosecuting criminal offenses committed in Kosovo. This legislative move was initially announced by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in early September. He indicated that a special prosecutor's office and a special court would be established to "prosecute all those who participate in the persecution of the Serbian population" in Kosovo. According to the Serbian Government, the proposed legal framework stipulates that first-instance jurisdiction for criminal cases will rest with the High Public Prosecutor's Office and the Supreme Court in Belgrade. For second-instance procedures, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Court of Appeals in Belgrade will handle the cases. Additionally, plans are in place to create a "special department for the prosecution of crimes committed in the territory of 'Kosovo and Metohija'" within the High Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade. On September 13, President Vucic announced that the legislation regarding the organization of Serbian judicial authority in Kosovo would likely be approved by the Assembly of Serbia within 45 days. He emphasized that the prosecutor's office would have a "special duty to investigate and prosecute the criminal and illegal acts committed by employees and officials of institutions in Prishtina." Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's independence, which was declared in 2008, and therefore does not acknowledge its institutions. Kosovo Serbs, particularly in the northern region, have been under the governance of Belgrade and parallel Serbian institutions for decades, including Serbian banks and a pension system. The Kosovo government, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, has taken steps this year to dismantle these parallel Serbian institutions in the north and extend Pristina’s authority in the region. However, Western governments have criticized Kurti's actions, claiming they were executed in an "uncoordinated" manner, especially given the ongoing tensions in the north. During the same session on Monday, the Serbian Government also approved a draft law declaring Kosovo a "special social protection area." This law aims to provide financial support to the unemployed, particularly those over 65 who have not yet claimed their pension, to help them "survive in that territory." It also encourages the preservation of cultural and historical heritage, focusing on demographic development, economic advancement, and cultural enrichment. -- http:www.antic.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "SERBIAN NEWS NETWORK" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/senet/05f801db29e2%24d00a8660%24701f9320%24%40gmail.com.
