Prosecutor Wants Not to Stop Investigations in Thaci's and Others Case

The prosecutor of the Specialised Chambers at The Hague has stated that investigations should continue as new witnesses can be presented.

At today's hearing on the performance of the court case against Thaci and others, the prosecutor has not issued a date for completing the investigations in this case, adding that the pretrial file will be handed over three months before the trial begins.

This was deemed absurd and ridiculous by defenders. They have claimed they need time to conduct their detailed investigations.

Until I hear Mr. Prosecutor I have to bite myself whether I was dreaming or not, he's really saying this can be the case. If we talk about a regular court process, it's unintelligible. Of course I keep my mind open when I address this institution, but I have to say these prosecutor's words are disappointing to my opinion. We have not yet started with the creation of the investigative team, unless we start investigating these issues, this is reality”, said David Hooper, lawyer of former President Hashim Thaci.

This has been said by former PDK lawyer Kadri Veseli, Ben Emerson, citing practices from previous trials.

In this case when it comes to 100 murders each should be investigated separately, along with a very large number of alleged illegal detentions, all should be investigated. The notion that the court could begin three months after the prosecution handed in its file is ridiculous. Not only ridiculous but revealing an attempt by the Prosecutor to have an unfair trial. Of course we won't let it happen. It is not a matter of negotiation or assembly, it is the basic minimum right to have a fair trial, and the fair trial is that according to the Constitution, European conventions, for the trial to become different after defence has made its preparations”, Emerson said.