Decisive Months, Protection of Former KLA Chiefs Launches in September

From today until August, the Special Chambers for Kosovo will be at summer break.

But although their return to work will be the same as 15 August, the judicial process towards former KLA leaders, who are being tried in The Hague, is not expected to resume at least until September.

Following the request of defence teams, for the presentation of evidence to begin on September 15th, the court has issued the order it has accepted, while it has shown that a defence preparation conference is expected on August 19th.

“on July 25, 2025, the Judicial Chamber II issued the order, with which it appointed September 15th 2025 as the target date for the start of presentation of evidence by Defence. The date will be confirmed at the feasibility conference for Defence, to be held on 19 August 2025. The panel also issued further orders regarding such aspects as revised lists of material evidence and deadlines for obtaining evidence. The details are included in the complete decision you can find here. ”

With the launch of presentation of evidence by Hashim Thaci's defence teams, Kadri Veselin, Rexhep Selimi's Jakup Krasniqi, also begins periods for the outcome of this trial process.

The judicial process in the specialised Chambers in The Hague is in an important phase of the process, where the determinative role will have a protective side with the presentation of witnesses and the evidence itself in this direction as two of Uck's former leaders have been warned, Mr. Thaci and Mr. Krasniqi will present witnesses, according to the dynamics and number of witnesses who have been warned of course I expect to have the process completed within this year, or the beginning of next year”, Ardian Bayraktari lawyer said.

On the other hand, by law connoisseurs, the court's most important event in this case is not being viewed with a good eye.

A host of anti-legal actions that have matched this judicial performance are unprecedented and contrary to the fundamental principles that in a procedure, in a court hearing at the same time two witnesses in the concrete case that two experts have heard... There have been other violations we've said during these times and I don't know under these actions such a court will make a fair decision”, said Meshar Selimaj lawyer.

After completing the presentation of evidence by the specialised prosecutor's office, several witnesses proposed by the victims have also been heard.

Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi are under detention since 2020 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

On May 18th, 2022, Kosovo Specialised Chambers in The Hague were convicted of Nasim Haradinaj and Hysni Gucati, in connection with criminal acts of obstructing official persons and obstructing justice management, condemning them to four and a half years in prison, where they were counted in detention, as well as 100 euros in fines.

After a complaint at Appeals, the College of the Court of Appeals issued a case regarding the complaint of two convicts from the first instance, where most of the works for which they had been convicted were confirmed. But, the sentence was dropped to four years and three months and was confirmed with a 100-euro fine. However, requirements for protection of legitimacy in this case were rejected by the Supreme and Special Constitution.

Hysni Gucati, together with Nasim Haradinaj, were charged with criminal acts against justice administration, namely obstructing official persons in performing official duties, fearing witnesses, revenge and violating the secret of the procedure

During 2023, a decision has been made to change the sentence on Nasim Haradinaj and Hysni Gucatit. Gucati's release took place on 18 October, while Haradinaj's on 14 December 2023.

The KLA War Veterans' Organisation warned that on 7 August, at 5 o'clock, a widespread protest will be organised in Pristina in support of former fighters being held in custody at The Hague.

Hysni Gucati from this organisation said at the media conference that we will organise protests for their friends.
We will protest against the Specialised Chambers that are violating all rights are two cases that the court is using people to influence the process by spying on our friends”, Gucati said. /Periscope/

READO: https://www.periskopi.com/veterannet-protested-with-7-August-Connder-trial-special/