Today Peter Shala's first special appearance

That is how Kosovo's Specialised Chambers, headquartered at The Hague, have announced.

This is the complete communique of the Specialised Chambers:

Peter Shala was arrested on 16 March 2021 by Belgian authorities and transferred to The Hague on April 15, 2021, on the basis of a request for co-operation in implementing the warrant for arrest and the transfer order issued by Kosovo's Specialised Chambers.

“On confirmed indictment Shala is charged with individual criminal responsibility in various forms of war crimes as arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture and illegal murder committed in the context of the non-international armed conflict in Kosovo and in connection with this conflict. The crimes Mr. Shala was carried out approximately between May 17th 1999 and June 5, 1999, against persons detained at the metal factory in Kukes (Albania), allegedly used by the Kosovo Liberation Army”

Shala's first presentation will be held at the public session. During the first appearance, the Pre-Precience Procedure Judge provides respect for the accused's rights, including the right to legal representation, and that the accused understands the charges against him or her.