This training brought together judges and prosecutors, aiming at strengthen their professional capacities in identifying, prosecuting, and adjudicating terrorism-related offenses and enhancing their understanding of the evolving dynamics of violent extremism in Kosovo and the broader region, with a particular focus on right-wing and religious extremism.
The program was led by a distinguished group of experts, including Supreme Court Judge Burim Ademi, Basic Court Judge Valon Kurtaj, Special Prosecution Office Prosecutor Naim Abazi, and senior officials from the Kosovo Police, including Mensur Hoti, Fatos Makolli, and Nexhdet Haxhaj.
The start of the training was focused on the strategic objectives of Kosovo’s counter-terrorism efforts, presented by National Coordinator Mensur Hoti, followed by a documentary screening on right-wing extremism in Kosovo and a discussion moderated by Kreshnik Gashi.
Day two focused on the legal framework addressing violent extremism, an in-depth analysis of far-right extremism and its manifestation in public incidents, and a practical group exercise to analyze the push and pull factors behind radicalization.
On the third day, participants examined the overlap between terrorism and other criminal offenses and attended case studies on the spread of religious extremism and recruitment tactics in Kosovo.
The final day addressed investigative techniques and the use of alternative sentencing for cases regarding terrorism and identifying signs of extremism during the investigative phase. Participants were also presented with alternative sanctions and the sentencing process in terrorism trials, including the role of pre-sentencing reports. The training concluded with a discussion on the use of social media in spreading extremism and the balance between strategic communication and personal data protection.
By combining legal analysis, real case presentations, documentary screenings, and group exercises, the training provided a comprehensive and interactive environment for enhancing cross-sectoral collaboration in Kosovo’s response to violent extremism and terrorism.
This training was attended by 31 participants, including 14 women. The participants have actively engaged in this training by sharing experiences and asking questions on how to effectively deal with terrorism and violent extremism.
The training was part of the ‘Resilient and Inclusive Community Programme’ funded by GCERF, through ATRC and implemented by BIRN Kosovo.