Emmerson criticises Special for protracted process against former KLA leaders

Kadri Wessel's defence lawyer, Ben Emmerson, has raised concerns about the request of the Specialised Prosecutor's Office for extending the process to the Wessel of others up to 1,000 and 863 hours.

Emmerson has mentioned three cases by the International Court for Crimes in the former Yugoslavia for comparison, where the prosecution had asked for much less hours to present its case.

The subx0> Defense presents its concern and attracts the attention of the Pre-emptive Procedure Judge for the anticipated length of judgment. ZPS has shown on its rule 95uk4) To put this requirement in perspective, defence has drawn two examples from cases similar to many indicted at the ICTY: In Prak and others. The prosecution has spent a total of 296 hours presenting her case, approximately 1 year and 9 months; in the case of Shainovic and others. (Milutinovic), the prosecution has spent a total of 166 hours, approximately 10 months”, wrote Emmerson.

He has added further that such an extended process does not serve the interest of justice for any party.

“Defense states that such a prolonged trial in no way will serve the interest of justice for either of the parties, or for this Court”, Emmerson said in his letter.