On 29 and 30 April 2020, the Judges of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) held their fifth Plenary. The Plenary, which is generally held in-person in The Hague, was conducted via video-conference this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding the challenges posed, the Judges of the KSC successfully completed their annual Plenary in this manner and demonstrated that the President and the Judges continue to fulfil their mandates without delay.
During the Plenary, the Judges unanimously elected Judge Charles Smith III as the new Vice-President in accordance with Article 32(4) of the Law on Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (Law). In accordance with Article 32(4) of the Law, the Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in the latter’s absence or inability to act.
President Ekaterina Trendafilova congratulated Judge Smith, stating that his election as Vice President is a testament to the confidence the Judges of the KSC have in him.
The Judges were further provided with updates from the President, the Specialist Prosecutor and the Registrar. Following the departure of the Judges of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court (SCCC) from the Plenary, the Judges proceeded to deliberate on and adopt amendments to 30 Rules of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence (Rules). The amendments clarify several provisions and are aimed at ensuring more efficient and effective proceedings. The adopted Rule amendments will be referred to the SCCC in accordance with Article 19(5) of the Law, to ensure their compliance with Chapter II of the Constitution.
