Free Albin Kurti

NEWS

24th Mar

Kosova ombudsman issues Press Release and Report concerning the protest of 10th Feb 2007.
Click HERE for Press Release
Click HERE for Report

18th Mar

Stephen Swartz publishes article "Recognition Without Power" Click HERE

19th Feb

EDITORIAL "What Now" See GENERAL ARTICLES
Norwegian Helsinki Committee issues new "Kosovo Note" See SUPPORTING STATEMENTS

10th Feb

Events took place in various countries to remember those killed exactly one year ago. Click HERE.
Albin Kurti's speech at the Commemoration. See ALBIN'S STATEMENTS
AMNESTY RELEASE ANNIVERSARY STATEMENT CALLING FOR NEW INVESTIGATION. Click HERE

7th Feb

The entire membership of the Kosovo Bar Association refused to serve as UNMIK appointed defence counsel. After a short adjournment, the trial was suspended and Albin Kurti released This follows a torrent of criticism of the UN justice system in Kosovo by AMNESTY, HELSINIKI and many other groups and individuals, both local and international. Call made for lifting of charges and an independent investigation into UNMIK's unlawful killings.

5th Feb

Latest UNMIK appointed defense lawyers have refused to take part on a matter of principle! UNMIK to assign Head of Bar Association. Vetevendosje issues press statement. Click HERE
"Organizing Council for the Release of Albin Kurti" issue letter of protest. Click HERE

4th February

International pacifist organisation "War Resisters International" calls for end to prosecution. Visit "SUPPORTIVE STATEMENTS"
Vetevendosje complains directly to the Italian Minister of Justice. Click HERE to read letter.
Kurti again defined as Category "A" prisoner by Dept of Justice, a term that does not exist in UNMIK's legal framework - Please write to Dept of Justice to demand explanation - Ravi Reddy, Dept of Justice, Kosovo reddy@un.org

31 January

Now Norwegian Helsinki committee call for possible re-trial Click HERE for statement

30 January

Kurti in custody again till 5 Feb - Defense council removed - Click for TRIAL PAGE

29 Janar 2008

Kurti issues statement before press explaining why he will not attend court session on 3oth Jan. Click HERE
Amnesty releases its most damning report on UNMIK Justice system Click HERE to read full report.

27 January 2008

Scandal of UN misinformation regarding Ombudsman responsibilities revealed. Click HERE for Ombusdman's press release and HERE for analysis.
Albin Kurti's writes new letter to UN & EU Human Rights organisations. Click HERE
Albin Kurti submits complaint to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. To view completed submission, click HERE .

10 January 2008

Kosovo Ombudsperson heavily criticises the trial in letter to Robert Dean, the Head of the Deptof Justice and UN Chief prosecutor in Kosovo. SEE SUPPORTIVE STATEMENTS

5 January 2008

New series of Albin Kurti English interviews on U-Tube. Among them are - "Arrest & Trial"

19 December

JUDGE SALUSTRA RECINDS HOUSE ARREST Click HERE

11 December

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL RELEASES KEY STATEMENT EXPRESSING SERIOIUS CONCERNS Click HERE

10 December

Special Report "WHEN 'PEACEKEEPING' MEANS MURDER - TEN MONTHS IN KOSOVA" Click HERE

8 December

NAAC "National Albanian American Council" make statement in support click HERE

4 December

The Third Court session took place. It was attended for the first time by Amnesty International. Key police prosecution witness testimony discredited - see "the Trial"
Open letter sent to Robert Dean, Director of Justice for UNMIK by "Kosova Action Network" - see "Letters of Protest"
ALSO - "The Blue Jailers" Article in NEWSWEEK Click here

15 November

The Second Court Session took place. In a room with seating for only about 6 people, around 20 stood all day throughout the proceedings. Apparently there was insufficient notice to provide more space or seating -

Attending observers came from:

The Human Rights Centre at the University of Prishtina

The Council for Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms

The Ombudsperson

The Humanitarian Law Centre

The Office of the High Commission of Human Rights

The Danish Helsinki Committee

The Norwegian Helsinki Committee

See The Trial Page

14 November

An announcement by Albin Kurti's newly appointed lawyer Tome Goshi is followed by dramatic change in conditions of house arrest. Click HERE for statement. In court, a second speech by Kurti is banned. Click HERE to see it.

13 November

Open letter sent by "Organizing Council for the Release of Albin Kurti", sent to Kosova Prime Minister and the UN chief Administrator. Click HERE to read the letter.

12 November

Tome Gashi, a lawyer has been appointed as defense Council for the next session on 15th. He is also running as a PDK candidate in the elections.

10th November

"Youth Network of Kosovo" joins the "Organizing Council against the imprisonment of Albin Kurti" Click HERE for their press release

9th November

Albin Kurti's house arrest was this morning extended for a further two months. His next trial date is 15th November, ignoring the statutory 8 days notice! Also, contrary to regulations, Kurti has not yet been informed of the new hearing officially. Click HERE for Press Release

Also: EU's Kosovo report scathing on graft, justice

Click HERE to read Reuters News

1st November

Launch of the Organizing Council against the imprisonment of Albin Kurti Click HERE to see their Press Release