ADC-ICT EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER THE SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN LEGAL AID AT THE KOSOVO SPECIALIST CHAMBERS

THE HAGUE – The Association of Defence Counsel practising before the International Courts and Tribunals (ADC-ICT) expresses concern over the recent unilateral decision by the Registrar of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) to drastically reduce legal aid for contempt proceedings, without any consultation with the list counsel before the KSC or the legal profession more broadly. Defence counsel and their teams should not be expected to work without adequate remuneration.

The decision to decrease legal aid funding by between 60-74% for contempt proceedings at the KSC not only undermines the rights of an accused to a fair trial and jeopardises effective representation, but also presents numerous practical and personal challenges for defence counsel. It is therefore imperative that defence counsel receive the support required from the KSC to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

The consequences of expecting defence counsel and their teams to work for minimal remuneration are severe. Beyond the courtroom, it forces them to sacrifice personal time and financial stability, potentially compromising their ability to provide effective representation for their clients.

“The fairness of justice depends on appropriate remuneration for the Defence, and significant reductions in legal aid not only affects the livelihoods of defence counsel but also threatens the credibility of the judicial process”, stated ADC-ICT President, Dragan Ivetic.

The ADC-ICT calls for an immediate reconsideration of the Legal Aid Regulations and urges the Registrar to engage in meaningful consultation with list counsel before the KSC or their designated representatives.