Thaçi's defense in The Hague: Witnesses have themselves made public the invitation to testify

2026-03-02 13:39:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Thaçi's defense in The Hague: Witnesses have themselves made public

At the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, Hashim Thaçi's defense began on Monday questioning the first witness of the Specialist Prosecutor's Office (SPO), in the trial against Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi for obstruction of justice.

The witness, who began his testimony on February 27 as the Prosecution's first invitee in this case, was questioned by Thaçi's lawyer, Sophie Menegon. It was announced in the courtroom that he is part of the Prosecution's staff.

The session, which began at 9:30, occasionally moved into parts closed to the public.

During the hearing, Menegon focused on the procedures related to witnesses in the other case against Thaçi for war crimes and crimes against humanity, arguing that some of them have themselves made public the fact that they have been called to testify.

As examples, she mentioned Rrustem Mustafa, known as Remi, Bislim Zyrapin, Sylejman Selimi and Shukri Buja. For all three, Menegon said that they had themselves stated in the media that they had been invited to testify in The Hague.

The Prosecution witness said that they were not placed under protective measures, as they were public figures and had previously spoken publicly about these issues.

At the February 27 hearing, when asked about the procedures, he said that witnesses usually travel to The Hague 7–10 days before the testimony date, to prepare by analyzing previous statements and other materials. According to him, witnesses have the right to correct or change their testimony.

According to the indictment, for several months during 2023, the defendants interfered in the court case against Thaçi and three other former superiors of the Kosovo Liberation Army, accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In the preliminary hearing, Thaçi, Smakaj, Kilaj, Fazliu and Kuçi pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

In its opening statement, the Prosecution said that Thaçi led three groups in an attempt to influence certain witnesses in the first case against him.

It has stated that it possesses evidence, including audio recordings made at the detention center in The Hague, where it is alleged that Thaçi instructs the defendants to influence certain witnesses, including protected ones, to change their testimony. The prosecution has also said that materials allegedly given to them by Thaçi have been found on some of the defendants.

Thaçi, former president of Kosovo, is also accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, along with three other former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders: Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi.

All four have denied the charges.

In this case, closing statements have been underway since last week, during which the defense argued that there is insufficient evidence for the alleged crimes, while the Prosecution requested that all four be found guilty.

After the closing statements, the case will be transferred to the trial panel, which has three months to make a decision or may request an extension of this deadline.

Today's announcement comes on the day Kosovo marks the 18th anniversary of independence, while a protest is also expected that will address, according to organizers, the undignified treatment of the accused in The Hague. /REL