Electronic monitoring law finally put into action

Nine years after the Law on Electronic Monitoring of individuals whose movement is restricted by a court decision came into force, the electronic monitoring bracelet system was launched, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

State institutions expect the electronic monitoring system to help prevent cases of domestic violence.

Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, called the launch of this system a groundbreaking step. The Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, described the introduction of electronic bracelets as the most important project implemented within the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

"This is one of the most important projects to protect the lives and dignity of girls and women in the Republic of Kosovo," she said.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, stated that the bracelets would also be used to prevent other criminal offenses.
The General Director of the Kosovo Police, Gazmend Hoxha, emphasized that the institution now has an additional tool to prevent domestic violence cases.

"A lot of work was required to reach this point, so I hope we see as few cases of domestic violence as possible. Nevertheless, today we have one more tool to prevent domestic violence and other offenses," Hoxha highlighted.

The government allocated a sum of €600,000 in April last year for the purchase of the bracelets.

The Law on Electronic Monitoring of individuals whose movement is restricted by a court decision has been in effect since July 1, 2015. According to this law, electronic monitoring is carried out by court order and implemented by placing a special device (bracelet) on the individual. The individual is monitored to ensure they do not exceed the perimeter allowed by the court.

Civil society has consistently called for the implementation of this law, viewing it as a tool to enhance women’s safety and prevent domestic violence.