International experts complete Montenegro visit on human trafficking case

PODGORICA, 24 July 2003 - An international team of independent experts appointed by the Council of Europe and the OSCE visited the Republic of Montenegro on 21-24 July 2003 in response to an invitation made by the Government of Montenegro to review the way in which the authorities of this Republic had dealt with the case of trafficking in human beings which was reported last year by a Moldovan citizen.

The expert team was composed of four international experts, including a former high court judge, a senior prosecutor, a former senior police officer and a professor of criminal law, from Germany, the Netherlands and Slovenia. None of the experts resides in the Republic of Montenegro or is attached to any mission in this country. The team was assisted by Council of Europe and OSCE officials.

At the close of the visit, the team of experts expressed its appreciation to the Montenegrin authorities for their invitation and for having facilitated the organisation of its work in a constructive and efficient way. During its stay in Montenegro, the team had numerous interviews with members of the Government, as well as with police officers, prosecutors, judges, defence and victim attorneys and a member of a non-governmental organisation, who were able to provide relevant information on the handling of this case as well as on the measures taken against the trafficking of human beings.

The team expressed the view that the issue under its assessment was very important but also complex and deserved, therefore, careful and weighted consideration. Therefore the team did not wish to rush to conclusions. In the experts' opinion, this visit was the first initial step of a longer process where many elements would need to be assessed. The team was committed to fulfil its tasks objectively, in an independent and impartial manner, gathering the relevant information to make subsequently a professional assessment of the manner in which the proceedings were conducted, and to deliver recommendations.

The assessment will be based on the factual elements gathered and the recommendations will be both specific to the case in question and of a general nature for the future. It is not possible at this stage to provide a precise timing for the issuing of the expert team's report. As soon as the report is ready, it will be addressed to the Secretary General of the OSCE and to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

The Montenegrin authorities will be given an opportunity to make the comments they deem appropriate, including an indication of the measures that will be taken, with respect to the conclusions reached and recommendations made by the expert team.