Special Court: Tests against Gucati and Haradinaj are very convincing

In Kosovo's Specialised Chambers in The Hague, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office is delivering a concluding statement in the court case against Hysni Gucatit and Nasim Haradinaj. According to the prosecutor, the behaviour of witness intimidation and obstruction of justice has affected investigations and judgments against KLA members for 20 years. The SPS has stated that the accused are not above the law, and according to them this office has presented sufficient evidence to prove their guilt.

In the closing statement, Prosecutor Valeria Bolic has said it has not been disputed that Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj have made public the confidential SPS documents containing protected witness names.

According to the prosecution, evidence against Gucat and Haradinaj is very convincing.

The examples of witness intimidation and obstruction of justice have affected investigations and judgments against KLA members for 20 years. This issue is very unique because those responsible for intimidation and obstructing procedures have been brought to account for a court of justice, as well as because the evidence against the accused is very convincing, they are extremely convincing. Since the beginning of this trial, the SPS has indicated in this court that the criminal behaviour of the accused is recorded in a number of videos that have been publicly broadcast, in these audiovisual evidence, the accused is seen when committing criminal acts that are allegedly alleged in the indictment”, prosecutor Bolic said..

According to her, at the indictment's public appearance they have admitted they are carrying out their actions in order to break up the Special Court.

According to her, additional evidence has been presented by SPS witnesses, including defence witnesses.

“Procuroria respectfully presents that if the facts of this issue are not ignored and the applicable law is not misinterpreted the criminal responsibility of these accused as very clear. The defence knows that very well, therefore argues that the accused, however, should be acquitted of criminal responsibility based on a number of fabricated protections that are not based on sound provisions. Throughout the trial, the accused tried to present themselves as representatives, flagkeepers of a high justice, they say they should not be punished because by violating the law they pursued the justice intentions they have defined by themselves”, Bolic said.

Before the court, the prosecutor has said the accused's actions violated the Kosovo Criminal Code.

We will say without hesitation that the accused are not above the law, their repeated and deliberate actions have violated the Kosovo Criminal Code and are not justified by other criminal provisions, the accused are criminals. In today's closing statement, the SPS means that the prosecution has presented evidence that proves their guilt or responsibility beyond reasonable suspicion”, she has said.

The hearing at The Hague is continuing with the closing statement of the prosecution, while Haradinaj's Gucati are present in the courtroom.

The closing statements are being heard after the presentation of evidence and witnesses on both sides has ended.

Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj were arrested on 25 September 2020, since they are even staying in custody at The Hague.

The flow of documents from the Special, which by a still unknown person have been sent to O'O offices VL- The KLA, and publicisation of this event by the leaders of the organisation, is the reason Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj are being tried.

On them are charges of criminal acts against administration of justice, namely obstructing official persons in performing official duties, fearing witnesses, revenge, and violating the secret of the procedure.