Pantovic: The Serbs do not trust Kosovo justice

A significant number of Serbs from northern Kosovo will spend this New Year's and Christmas holidays in Kosovo detentions or prisons. Ljubomir Pantovic, a lawyer who is one of their defenders, says for Kosovo Online that being in prison is difficult in itself, especially for Serbs in Kosovo prisons who lack faith and hope in the future and do not trust the justice system that is judging them.

"I visit my clients in detention quite often, even those who are serving sentences, there are such cases. One day in prison feels as long as a year, and you can imagine with what eagerness they await their defense attorney to talk to them, ask if there's anything new, what's happening with the case, and if there's any hope for them. Simply put, they are in a difficult situation, in detention, completely deprived of freedom. They have visits from family members twice a month. Defenders can visit their detainees without limitations; only for the first visit, permission from the court is required, and later, we can visit them every day. These are people who are desperate and have no faith or hope for the future. Of course, they do not trust the justice that is judging them, but you are there as a defender to encourage them and instill some self-confidence. I consider that I succeed quite well in that. It's difficult to be in any prison, especially here," Pantovic emphasized.

He singles out the long period of investigation leading to the filing of charges as a key problem.

"The law allows investigations for serious criminal offenses to last up to 12 months before filing charges. That is quite a long period. For more severe criminal offenses that are legally and factually more complex and extensive, this investigation can be extended for another six months. This means that investigations and criminal proceedings leading to filing charges can last up to a year and a half, which is a very long period, but unfortunately, it is a legal solution. One day in prison is a lot, let alone 12 months. A colleague of mine recently told the media that when it came to serious criminal offenses and offenses with an inter-ethnic character, only those who were uninformed or had a distorted view of reality here believed in justice in Kosovo," the lawyer said.

Speaking about the condition and mood of Serbs in detention who have not yet been charged, Pantovic says that he often visits them and tries to boost their morale.

However, he emphasizes that, in addition to the imprisoned Serbs, these Christmas and New Year holidays are also difficult for their families.

Our interlocutor points out that he strives to always be available to them and help them at all times.

"Just as your client expects encouragement, news, and hope, the same goes for their family members. They are, of course, interested in what will happen and what the predictions are. You really have to talk to them at all times and be there for them, ready to encourage them and, of course, convey what is happening in each case and with their family member in prison. That aspect of the job is not negligible; we must be in constant contact with both clients deprived of their freedom and their family members," Pantovic explains.