Kilay's Kuchi today appears before Special

The Specialised Chambers in The Hague today will appear before the tribunal, former Justice Minister Hajredin Kuci and the former head of Malisheva, Isni Kilaj, who is accused of influence over witnesses. Along with them are former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, the Smaj Union and Kosovo Liberation Army veteran Fadil Fazliu.

The session for Kuchi starts at 10:00, and for Kiline at 4:00.

Yesterday, former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and former head of the Kosovo Agency for Intelligence, the Smaj Union, have not been declared about the indictment filed against them for the impact on witnesses. Meanwhile, Kosovo Liberation Army veteran Fadil Fazliu has been declared innocent.

Hashim Thaci was the first to appear before Specialised Chambers in The Hague.

During the hearing, Thaci said he will not be declared, as he has not read the indictment as a whole and that he has to read it in order to understand it.

“E knows that Kosovo is on the verge of general elections. But, I'm not part of the electoral race, I don't pose a risk to anyone. Therefore, I request today that I respect and believe in the Constitution and laws of Kosovo by all, wherever you sit, on any side or in any uniform that you are in this hall, the Constitution and the laws of Kosovo” are respected, Thaci stressed.

After Thaci's statement, the judge asked for a brief pause, as Thaci's lawyer took time to give him instructions. After that, Thaci clarified when he was first asked by the judge if he understood the charges against him, he had not understood the question well. The judge asked the parties to set a date for Thaci's plea.

The defence said it agrees that on January 7th 2025, Thaci will plead himself over the indictment. Judge Marjorie Masselot said she would later issue a decision on the case.

During the first presentation, which lasted almost 45 minutes, Thaci stressed that he, his family and Kosovo society await completion of the process towards him and said he expects justice.

Meanwhile, in his first appearance before Specialised Chambers, the Smaj Union said it wants to exploit the 30-day period to be declared on charges against him. He stressed at the court that after consulting the lawyer, he made that decision, as he expects to take additional material in the case against him.

His lawyer called for release from custody and said Smaj is willing to provide 5 thousand euros for bail and hand over his passport. The defence argued he poses no danger of escaping.

The prosecution, meanwhile, said that if Smaj was released on bail, he would be able to intervene in witnesses or perform other criminal acts.

The judge, after a session pause, said defence arguments were not enough to change her assessment as regards staying in Smaj's detention. She said that against Smajt lies her two-month detention decision.

The accused near the Specialised Chambers have deadlines that within 30 days will be declared over charges brought against them.

The third session was Fadil Fazliu's presentation before The Hague tribunal. He said he consulted his lawyer before the hearing and was acquitted of the charges against him.

I talked to the lawyer an hour ago. But, I'm innocent, I'm declared innocent”, he said.

Even in the case against Fazliu, the judge rejected the defence arguments for his release from custody.

To former President Hashim Thaci, former Justice Minister Hajredin Kuci, former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, Bashkim Smaj, former head of Malisheva, Isni Kilaj, and Fadil Fazliut on November 29th has been established, which has become public on December 6th.