A group of prosecutors from The Republic of Kosovo visited Montana June 1st through June 5th to investigate Judicial and Prosecutorial Misconduct. The group consisted of Mr. Zef Prenrecaj, Director of the Offices of Disciplinary Counsel, Mr. Arianit Salihu, Senior Judicial Inspector of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and Mr. Ismet Ukshini, Basic Prosecutor of the Municipal Prosecution Office. The delegates came to Montana through the International Visitor Leadership Program. Being a new country, Kosovo has faced challenges of misconduct by prosecutors and judges, through this program they sought to find effective ways to investigate and discipline individuals accused of misconduct. The objectives for the project included examining the best practices for criminal and non-criminal disciplinary investigations, studying the process for establishing and defining clear rules of conduct, conflict of interest standards and disciplinary procedures, examining the distinctions between misconduct and the need for professional development, and exploring the inherent challenges of investigating judicial and prosecutorial misconduct.
During their stay the prosecutors were able to meet with a wide range of professionals to learn more about the procedures and standards within Montana. Their meetings were with the Montana Judicial Standards Commission, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, District Court Judge Mike Menahan, Edwin Bender the Executive Director of the National Institute on Money in State Politics, Carl Rostad the Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chuck Johnson a former political journalist, Matt Volz of the Associated Press, and Jim Hunt a local Personal Injury Lawyer. The group was also able to tour Helena and visit local attractions including the Capitol building.
Jim Hunt commented on the experience, “I think I learned just as much from them during the meeting as they did from me. I’m glad I had the change to sit down with them and exchange experiences and ideas.”
WorldMontana would like to thank the individuals who took the time to meet withe Kosovo delegates. It was a great learning experience for all involved!
Delegates with Executive Assistant District Attorney Carl Rostad in front of Hatfield Federal Courthouse
From left to right, Mr. Zef Prenrecaj, Mr. Arianit Salihu, and Mr. Ismet Ukshini in the State Capitol Building