Abstract
Since the end of the Kosovo conflict in 1999, various international and national courts have investigated serious war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region. In 2015, the Kosovo Specialized Chambers (SCK) and the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) were established to investigate specific allegations of war crimes, particularly those linked to members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during and after the conflict. Although the Court is legally part of Kosovo’s system, it faces strong opposition within the latter, due to its location outside the country and its exclusion of Kosovo nationals from its staff. The trials of key KLA figures, many of whom have held major political roles in the country, have sparked significant debate both in Kosovo and internationally.
This manuscript will examine the legal foundation, structure, and scope of the SCK and SPO, and how they compare to other international courts. It will also review the indictments and ongoing trials of former KLA members. Additionally, the article will explore Albania’s diplomatic efforts, particularly its campaign to challenge allegations of organ trafficking mentioned in a 2011 Council of Europe report, which played a key role in the creation of the Court. By looking at the Court’s activities, the article will offer insights into its impact on Kosovo’s international standing.