15 July 2011

A mixed panel of two Kosovo judges and one EULEX judge at the Supreme Court in an appeal judgment largely confirmed and partially modified the first instant verdict of the District Court Prishtinë/Priština against N.D. and A.A. from 10 November 2010.

The Supreme Court confirmed the conviction of N.D. for misappropriation in office and the sentences.

The Supreme Court modified the first instance judgment for merely formalistic reasons with respect to the contribution of A.A., and re-wrote parts of the enacting clause, whilst the qualification of A.A. contribution as assistance to misappropriation in office as committed by N.D. was upheld. The Supreme Court also ordered the defendants to jointly compensate 1.540 Euro to the assembly for the damage caused by the criminal acts. The prohibition for N.D. to exercise public functions was annulled.

The case related to the purchase of property and services upon order of N.D. paid for by the budget of the Assembly of Kosovo but used privately. N.D. at the time held the position of President of the Assembly and A.A. was a Security Advisor to the President of the Assembly.

The District Court in 2010 found N.D. guilty of misappropriation in office and sentenced him to one year and 6 months of imprisonment. A.A. assisted in the criminal offense and was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. Both sentences were suspended with a verification period of 2 years. In addition the court imposed a prohibition of exercising public function for two years after the punishment has been served.

This appeal judgment was announced on 13 July 2011. The judgment of the Supreme Court is final. There are no legal measures against this decision.