Judgment against Peter Shala, defence ends with evidence being presented

In Kosovo Specialised Chambers ( In The Hague, Peter Shala's defence has announced it has ended with presenting its evidence in the case.

This has been made known through a preview of Shala's defence, which dates January 15th, 2024.

According to this statement, the Shala Protection has confirmed that there are no witnesses to call and no additional evidence to present in this case.

The defense confirms that there are no more witnesses to call or additional evidence to submit, in addition to what is tendered in today's request for the testimony material and application for acceptance of evidence in accordance with the 155 rule of Order, as part of its case at this stage. In accordance with Rule 131, Defence closes its case”, says the Shala Protection Proposal made by lawyers Jean-Louis Gilissen, Hédi Aui and Leto Cariolou.

Otherwise, during February 2023 the trial has begun on this occasion, where on February 21st the prosecution and the defense of the victims have submitted their opening statements, while on February 22, Peter Shala's opening statements have been heard as well as statements without his oath.

In March 2023 the presentation of the prosecution's evidence has begun, where 10 witnesses have been heard, and in August has begun presenting evidence from the defender of the victims where two witnesses have been heard.

Peter Shala was arrested on March 16, 2021, by Belgian authorities and transferred to The Hague on April 15, 2021, on the basis of a request for co-operation in implementing the warrant and order for transfer issued by Kosovo's Specialised Chambers.

In the confirmed indictment, Shala is charged with individual criminal responsibility in various forms of war crimes as arbitrary bans, cruel treatment, torture and illegal murder committed in the context of the armed conflict in Kosovo and in connection with this conflict.

The “commands that Mr. Shala was carried out approximately between May 17th 1999 and June 5, 1999, against persons who were held in the metal factory in Kukes (Albania), allegedly used by the Kosovo Liberation Army”, it is said in the communique. / Justice Trust