The SPS has 43 witnesses left to call to testify in the case of former KLA leaders

This has been made known by DPS spokesman Michael Doyle, who said the remaining number of witnesses expected to testify has come as a result of the SPS announcement that will not call 12 other witnesses and eight others' statements will be written, reports “Battle for Justice”.

“in the same court case, on November 1st, the Prosecutor's Office announced that it no longer intends to call 12 witnesses from the previous list and aims to present the statements of eight written witnesses instead of oral testimony in the courtroom. In the same statement, the Prosecutor's Office points out that after these changes, the number of witnesses who bear witness in the courtroom within the submission of evidence from the prosecution has dropped to 43”, he said during the week's conference.

While, in case of additional changes to this list, Z. The SP has announced it will let the court know until December's break.

“Procuroria also said he expects, until the court's December dismissal, to be able to announce the Judicial Chamber regarding additional changes to the witness list”, Doyle said.

Otherwise, he indicated that in the same court case, 103rd witness Shukri Buja has witnessed this week.

“Witnesses, Shukri Buja, testified mainly at the opening session, though parts of the session were closed”, Doyle said.

Doyle has announced that the trial against Sabit Januzi, Imet Bahitari and Haxhi Shala is expected to begin on November 14th, 2024.

According to Michael Doyle, at the first trial session, two of the SPS's entry statements and two of the defence teams will be heard.

During the entry statements, the parties will present their arguments, including evidence intended to pre-empt them. At the start of next Thursday's session, the indictment will be read and the chief judge will inform the accused of their rights, ask the accused if they understand the charges against them and give them the opportunity to confirm their initial pleas of innocence. After the charges in the indictment have been read, the prosecution will have two hours to make the opening statement, followed by the Januzi Protection, which has been assigned an hour and the Haxhi Shala Protection, which has been assigned 30 minutes to”, Doyle said during the weekly conference.

While, according to him, Bahhitari's defence had said it preferred to make the opening statements after the prosecution ends up presenting its evidence.

<x) Januzi and Mr. Bahhitari, with instructions from Mr. Shala, each separate with the witness in two cases to encourage him to withdraw testimony, or not to give evidence in official processes before DHSK, among other things through serious threats and promises of gifts or any other form of profit. The accused are accused of obstructing official persons in carrying out official duties and intimidation during criminal procedure”, Doyle said.

He said the trial could be followed in the three official languages of the Court (Albanian and Serbian) on their website of the Internet, which is broadcast by 45 minutes late.

He also said that the trial can be followed by public galleries in court areas.

In addition, Doyle said that in this case, on November 5th, a SPS request for the evidence of two written witnesses was rejected. The reason for the drop in the motion was because the prosecution had submitted the request following the payment deadline.

Otherwise, Kosovo Specialised Chambers in The Hague every Thursday at 14:30, via online platform “Zoom” hold weekly information offering updated information on recent developments regarding judicial procedures and activities in this court.