The specialist continues Thaci and Wessel's detention for two months

Kosovo Specialised Chambers ( DPSK, in The Hague, has continued the detention measure Hashim Thaci and Kadri Wessel for another two months.

As a result, by the decision of December 15, 2023, the chairman of the court, Charles Smith III, instructed the SPS to present parliaments for the upcoming detention review of Thaci and Wessel, no longer than January 29, 2024, reports the “Law on Justice”.

“U n VIEW the continuation of Mr. Thaci; and (b) U n He wants the ZPS to present the parachute for the next review of Mr. Thaci no later than Monday, January 29, 2024, at 4: 00 p.m., with an answer and response after the deadline set in rule 76. For the reasons mentioned above, panel: a) U n VIEW the continuation of Mr. Wessel; b) U n DHAIN PSP to present parachutes for the upcoming review of Mr. Wessel no later than Monday, January 29, 2024, at 4: 00 p.m., with an answer and answer after the timetable set at Rule 76”, says the court's decisions.

The reason for these decisions is said to be convinced that there is enough danger for Thaci and Wessel to prevent the management of judicial procedures. The accused is also said to be in danger of affecting witnesses as well as escaping.

Referring to these bases, the SPS has indicated that the corresponding risks could be effectively managed only in the detention facility. They have also stated that Thaci's and Wessel's behaviour poses an extremely increased risk that even standard communication restrictions and monitoring of the Para-burg Centre are insufficient.

Mr. Thaci now poses such an enormous risk of increasing that even the standard communication restrictions and monitoring of the Centre for Pre-medigation are insufficient.57, therefore, in light of the continued discovery of sensitive information of witnesses related to current judgment procedures, the fundamental risks are higher than ever --”, the decision is said, and so is highlighted in the decision on Kadri Wessel

The panel has found that the measures imposed at the detention facility provide solid guarantees in order to downplay the dangers of obstructing and committing further crimes on the part of the accused.

In addition, in decisions on continuing detention for Thaci and Veselin, the panel has reportedly found that the risks of preventing procedure and performing further works can be effectively managed only at the detention facility. Thus, the panel has ruled that continuing detention for the two accused is necessary to avoid risks.

“Paneli recalls that the reasonableness of continuing the defendant's detention should be assessed according to the facts of each case and according to its particular features. The particular features in this case include Mr. Thaci; (i) his knowledge of the charges and evidence against him, and a long prison sentence; (ii) the danger that Mr. Thaci would prevent the KS procedures; (iv) the risk of conducting, promoting or helping further crimes; (v) that restrictive measures for release are not enough to ease risks; (vi) the weight and complexity of charges against Mr. Thaci; and (vii) the fact that the judgment is now under way, demonstrating the reasonable progress of the” procedure, says in the decision to continue detention for Thaci.

A similar point is highlighted in the decision to continue custody of Wessel, which says he is charged with ten counts of serious international crimes in which he allegedly had an important role, and if convicted, he could face a long sentence.

“Paneli recalls that the reasonableness of continuing the defendant's detention should be assessed according to the facts of each case and according to its particular features. According to the panel's assessment, specific features in this case include Mr. Wessel is charged with ten counts of serious international crimes in which he allegedly has an important role; (i) if convicted, Mr. Wessel may face a long sentence; (ii) Risks according to Article 46 (b) and (ii) cannot be softened at any cost; 60 (iv) case against Mr. Wessel is complex; 61 and (v) the fact that the judgment is under way, demonstrating the reasonable performance of the” procedure, says the decision on continuing detention for Kadri Veseli.

However, the panel has stressed that Thaci and Wessel have already been in custody for a considerable period of time and judgment in this case will likely be long. As a result, this decision required by all sides to be particularly aware of the need to ensure that the judgment continues as quickly as possible.

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 Act on Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi is confirmed on October 26, 2020. /Betimy for Justice