The Committee on Legislation, Mandates, Immunities, Rules of Procedure of the Assembly and Oversight of the Anti-Corruption Agency has approved in first reading the Draft Law on the Bureau for the Confiscation and Seizure of Unjustified Assets, paving the way for further proceedings in the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Donika Gërvalla stressed out to the members of the legislation committee the importance of this draft law as one of the key mechanisms in the fight against corruption and strengthening the rule of law.

“The draft helps us establish a clear and unquestionable standard of no tolerance for illegally and unjustifiably acquired wealth, while responsible governance and transparency are not option but a state duty. The state bureau is an uncompromising guarantee for justice, integrity and unconditional trust of every citizen of the Republic of Kosovo”, said Minister Gërvalla.

She further emphasized that this law goes beyond a government mandate and beyond a political party, adding it was necessary for the members of the Assembly to adopt the draft, a tangible guarantee for citizens and justice reform.

Also, Minister Gërvalla explained the role and functioning of the Bureau, emphasizing that it does not make decisions on confiscation.

“The Bureau makes no confiscation, rather it collects, verifies and analyzes information. The decisions on confiscations are made by court. Procedures are initiated based on reliable information and the focus is on substantial financial discrepancies”, she said.

According to Minister Gërvalla, this draft law guarantees the rights of the parties at every stage of the procedure, including access to documentation, the right to be heard, representation and legal remedies.

Finally, Gërvalla called on the members of the Commission and MPs to give support to this draft law in the next coming stages.

“Any unjustified wealth, created in contradiction with legal income, through constitutional and legal mechanisms will be returned to the state and citizens. This draft law sets a clear standard that there will be no tolerance for wealth acquired illegally,” she concluded.