Data offered regarding statements Thaci had given as suspect and witness

Information has been given in a letter to the Specialised Prosecutor's Office (ZPS) about statements former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has provided in quality to suspects and witnesses.

On January 13th and 14th 2020, the SPS reportedly conducted an interview with then suspect Hashim Thaci, reports “The Justice Trust”.

Thaci was reportedly informed that there was a criminal investigation and that there was grounds to believe he had been involved in committing a crime within the jurisdiction of the TSF.

According to the letter, he was told that he had the right to remain silent, but if he made a statement, the question would be recorded as a whole and could be used as evidence.

He was further informed that he had the right to help free translators and be helped by a lawyer and that there were lawyers present during this interrogation. Thaci reportedly confirmed his understanding of his rights and agreed to answer questions and that he gave up his right to silence and have a lawyer present during interrogation.

“Thaci offered testimony to the events surrounding the accusations, including, but without limit to: (i) his KLA membership; (ii) his involvement and leadership at the KLA Political and Information Directorate; (ii) his whereabouts and whereabouts of other KLA members and leaders;) his relations with, among other things, Adam. DEMAI, Jakup KRASNICE, Rame BUJA, Azma SYLA, Agim ECUE, Syleman SELIM, Xavit HALITI, Sokol BASHOTA, Rexhep SELIMIA, Kadri V. ESEL, GESHIA, Yasar SALIHU, and Bislim Z YRATI, (v) its membership in the General Staff and its operation; (vi) transporting weapons to Kosovo for KLA; (vii) Disciplinary measures within the KLA; vii) KLA Military Police; ix) dealing with collaborators; (x) his knowledge and involvement in arrests and detentions; (why) the battle of Glogdjan on March 24, 1998; and (xi) The Rambouillet Conference” says on this letter.

On 13 July 16th 2020, ZPS reportedly conducted a further interview, where he was informed there was a criminal investigation and that there was grounds to believe he had been involved in committing a crime within the jurisdiction of the DSF. It is said he intelligently gave up his right to silence; and his lawyer was present during questioning through video-connection. Furthermore, it is said that his lawyer was given a copy of these written rights.

“THACI offered testimony to important events on charges, including, but without limit to: (i) its KLA membership; (ii) its movements both inside and outside Kosovo; (ii) its leadership of the KLA Information Directorate; (v) command structures, hierarchy and KLA bases; (vi) its relations with, among other things, Bislim Z. YRAI, Rexhep SELING, Sabit G ECI, Sylejman SELING, Kadri V ESEL, Agim CHAEK and Azem SYLA; (vi) General Staff KLA; (vii) arresting and banning some persons; and (ix) his political functions and role in negotiations and signing the Rambouillet Agreement”, the letter says.

On May 6, 2016, the SPRK reportedly conducted an interview with then suspect Hashim Thaci. He was informed that there was a criminal case against him and that he had grounds to believe he had been involved in committing war crimes against the civilian population according to Article 142 and 22 of the KPRSFJ.

He is said to have been given a formal advice as requested according to Article 12550), and 15250), (4) the Kosovo Criminal Procedure Code (KPP). He was reportedly informed of his rights, among other things, for silence, attorney, an interpreter and against self-inference, and that any declaration he gave would be recorded and could be used as evidence in court. After he was told that if he doesn't understand these rights, he should seek to consult a lawyer, T HACHI confirmed he understands his rights.

Thaci had stated that he understood the criminal acts he was accused of and admitted that he had been given remarks that had been read to him and his rights as charged by Article 152 KPP. He reportedly declared that he would be protected and answer the questions asked and that he did not want to engage a lawyer for his defense at that phase of criminal prosecution.

Interrogating “is recorded in writing without technical equipment. The interview process was read out loud, and he signed it. During THACHAI interview in May 2016 on P SRK, THACH answered questions and offered testimony about the events surrounding the charges, including but not limited to: (i) his role within the KLA; (ii) General Staff The KLA, (ii) issuing the KLA communiqués; and (iv) its movements within Kosovo”, it is now said.

On November 8, 2011, Thaci was called a witness in the P investigation. SRK versus Arben Krasniqi etc.

“later he answered questions, offering information about: (i) his role in the KLA General Staff in 1999; and (ii) his moves in Kosovo and Albania from February to April 1999, including information about members and other KLA leaders with whom he met or travelled (including Xavit HALITI, Jakup CREASNIQI, Azem SYLA, Agim clock ECU, Bislim Z YRAI, Fatmir LIMY, Sylejman SELING, Kadri V ESEL and Rexhep SELimi)”, the letter says.

On July 3rd 2018, Thaci was reportedly called a witness in the SPRK criminal case against suspects NN and so on, regarding the crime of murder.

“THACH answered questions, among other things, about his relationship with Ramiz TLOVCIN and Milaim Z. EKA, and turned to a claim that GodROVCI was blackmailing him “about the murder case or the fall of the victim in question and denied knowing the location of the victim”.

During Thaci's statement in May 2004, he reportedly answered questions in The Hague and offered evidence about the events surrounding the charges, including but without being limited to: (i) his KLA membership since its founding in 1992; Cegii) his relations with Jakup KRIASNIYIN, Fatmir LIMAY, Ismet JASARI, Sahit JASARRIA, Fehmi TLOVCI, Jakup DRUVCI, Haxhi SHALA, Shukri BUJA and Bislim Z. The General Staff and communication, command structure and its bases; (iv) its operational responsibility during the trip to Kosovo; (v) KLA Military Police (KLA) treatment of collaborators; (vi) his knowledge and involvement in arrests and detentions; and (vii) Glodjan's battle on March 24, 1998”, says the paper.

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.