What is expected to happen during concluding statements in the case of former KLA leaders?

In judging Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselin, Rexhep Selimit and Jakup Krasniqi, who are being charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, final statements are expected to be held in the process.

The expert has announced that the parties' concluding statements will be held from 9 February to 13 February, as well as from 16 February to 18 February, it has been scheduled for 8 hours to be used by the prosecution, 3 hours for the protection of the victims, as well as 4 and a half hours for each of the defendants' defence teams.

According to Kosovo Specialised Chambers spokesman (DHSK) in The Hague, Michael Doyle, during that session it is expected that the Prosecutor and Defence will present their summary of their arguments, reports “Justice Vowing“.

While, for the protection of the victims, he said he would talk about the impact alleged crimes have had on the victims. After that, the court will begin confidential discussions.

The judges will carefully assess the credibility of witnesses, the support and weight of witnesses and each evidence. The accused are acquitted until the prosecution confirms their guilt outside reasonable suspicion”, spokesman Michael Doyle said.

When showing about continuing custody of Thaci in the case against justice administration, Doyle said the judge found that there is still a real danger that Thaci could prevent the process of specialised rooms and commit other criminal acts.

The judge acknowledged that the risk of obstructing justice is lower compared to previous detention reviews, given the conclusion of evidence in Mr. Thaci's trial of war crimes and the fact that the prosecution wants to rely almost exclusively on monetary evidence in Mr. Thaci's judgment about charges of illegal influence on witnesses. However, the judge estimated that a real danger continues to be present, given the suspicion of broad efforts by Mr. Thaci to prevent the process in his war crimes trial and in the claim that part of these efforts was seeking co-operation by, and providing instructions, individuals who are free in Kosovo”, Doyle said.

He noted that the judge in his decision took into account the possibility that persons who could be called witnesses of the defense in that judgment, although their identities are not yet known, may be the object of influence.

Doyle also cited judges ' attitudes that there is an ongoing atmosphere for fear of witnesses in Kosovo.

The judge relied on the fact that “exists an ongoing atmosphere of witness intimidation in Kosovo, in particular in connection with the criminal investigation of crimes attributed to former KLA members of”. In his decision, the judge of the case cited agreed verdicts in three other cases, including one in which a witness protection expert and a witness protection officer, and two convictions in which this fact was confirmed based on the testimony of several witnesses who described their personal experiences of intimidation of witnesses”, he said.

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. /Periscopi/