The SPS appeals the verdict, with which the indictment against Thaci and others was partially confirmed for obstruction of justice

This was made known through Kosovo Specialised Chambers spokesman ( In The Hague, Michael Doyle, who said the prosecution has stated that the judge misinterpreted some elements of the Kosovo Criminal Code.

As a result, the judges' panel has been set up to decide in the Appeals on this issue, which is composed of judges Michael Picard, Emily Ready, and Nina Jergensen, reports “Justice Voting“.

“In the court case Hashim Thaci, the Smakaj Union, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuci for alleged influence against witnesses, the head of Specialised Chambers, Judge Ekaterina Trandafilova, appointed on February 3rd the panel of the Court of Appeals after the Prosecutor's Court of Procedure approved permission to appeal four points about the verdict on the pre-procedional procedure confirmation, with which she confirmed the charges against Mr Thaci, Smak, Mr. Kilaj, and Mr. Cuzci, Douxovic said.

He added that on January 30th it is decided that Alexander Admiraal will be the defender of Hajredin Kuci.

In the case of war crimes against Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, on January 30th has been allowed to reveal its status for a third party, but not the public.

According to Doyle, the court had concluded that this was necessary. And on February 3, 2025, it is decided that the testimony of a witness is appropriate to be accepted in writing, but he will be available through video connection in the courtroom to be questioned by the defence.

“The trial body stressed that the defence did not object to the motion and that he was convinced the admission of the written witness's statement does not unjustly harm defence and will also contribute to the quick performance of the process, since it will cut the length of the prosecution's questions from four hours to 45 minutes. The court ruled that providing video-conference testimony would be more favourable to the witness's welfare and would also ensure flexibility in planning, which contributes to the speed of the process”, Doyle said, adding that 119 witnesses have witnessed so far in this case.

The spokesman stressed that in the case against Sabit Januzi, Ismet Bahitari and Haxhi Shala, on January 29th, the court agreed to a victim to participate in this trial.

The trial's “Trup found that the victim suffered mental damage in the form of anxiety from crimes presented in the indictment. However, the court ruled that the limited damage framework and the advanced phase of the process, where the plea hearings have already been held, do not allow the victim's full participation through victims' defender”, Doyle said.

Doyle also spoke of the February 4th session of 2025, where it was decided on arrangements for admitting guilt and the amount to be paid for damages to victim 1 between SPS and indictees Haxhi Shala, Sabit Januzi and Ismet Bahitari.

He mentioned that Haxhi Shala was sentenced to 3 years in prison and was ordered to pay 400 euros for victim 1. Januzi and Bahhitari were sentenced to two years in prison. The latter will pay nothing for the victim, while Januzi will pay 100 euros. In the punishment, they were even counted as past time in custody.

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.