Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 586: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1207/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The case to which the Deputy refers was discussed in general terms in the course of my visit to Kosovo in November, 2007. My officials have since raised the case a number of times with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which retains responsibility for justice and policing matters.

In response, UNMIK informed us that the individual in question was indicted on charges relating to his alleged role in demonstrations which took place in Pristina on 10 February 2007. They noted that he was released into house arrest on 7 July and that he was free to receive visitors. A panel of three international judges was appointed to hear the case: one subsequently excused himself due to other obligations and was replaced by a local Kosovo judge. A motion by the defendant to dismiss the original trial panel was dismissed by a local judge of the Pristina District Court. The trial began in Pristina District Court on 15 November, but was adjourned to 4 December to allow adequate preparation following the appointment of a new ex-officio Defence Counsel for the defendant.

On 19 December 2007, the presiding international judge terminated the individual's house arrest and ordered his immediate release. The next trial date has been set for today, 30 January. UNMIK have reiterated that there are no restrictions regarding the individual's contact with or access to lawyers or NGOs.

The Department will continue to monitor developments in the case, and I have asked my officials to keep the matter under review.