Thaci, Wessel Continued Jail Measure

Kosovo Specialised Chambers ( The DPSK in The Hague has continued its detention measure against Hashim Thaci and Kadri Wessel.

Decisions for continuing the detention measure against Thaci and Wessel have been taken by court chairman Charles Smith III on October 16th 2023, reports “Justice Vought”.

According to these decisions, on September 25th, 2023, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office had sent its parachutes to review the detention measure for Thaci and Wessel.

Thaci's defence had reportedly handed their answers to this parachute on September 29, 2023, while Wessel's on October 5, 2023.

The ZPS had indicated that detention of Thaci continues to be justified and that there is no difference since the recent decision on prescribing this measure, as well as remains proportional.

That was contrary to Thaci's defence.

In the court's reasoning, it is reportedly insufficient justification that Veselin and Thaci can flee from justice, however, it is said the panel is convinced that there is a danger that they can prevent the development of the judicial process and commit further crimes against those perceived as KLA opponents, including witnesses who have testified or those who can offer evidence in this case.

Thus, the detention measure reportedly alleviates existing communication risks and provide strong guarantees against unmonitored visits and communications with family members and other visitors.

Through this decision, The DHSK has instructed the Specialised Prosecutor's Office to file the parachutes for the upcoming detention review of Thaci and Wessel no later than on November 24, 2023.

Otherwise, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office, on September 30th, 2022, has handed over the confirmed amended indictment against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, which consists of ten points of charges, where the latter are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.

On April 29th 2022, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office had handed over a amended indictment to Hashim Thaci, Kadri Wessel, Rexhepi and Jakup Krasniqi, where four indictees have committed war crimes even in Gjilan, Budakov and Semtish.

On November 9th 2020, in their first appearances, Hashim Thaci's Jakup Krasniqi has been declared innocent of the charges placed on them. Wessel has also been declared in his presentation on November 10th, as has Rexhep Selimi on November 11th.

The incident against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselin, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi is confirmed on October 26, 2020. /Betimi for Justice/