Second trial against Thaci begins on February 27th

The Court's announcement says the hearing is scheduled to begin at 09:30 and complete at 4: 00 p.m.

The initial act against the five accused was confirmed on November 29, 2024, and changed on April 16th 2025. This is the indictment in effect in this court case.

According to the indictment, between April 12th, 2023 and November 2, 2023, during various visits to the detention facility, Thaci gave Smajt, Kilajt, Fazliu and Kuci confidential information for witnesses called by the Prosecutor on the war crimes case Thaci and others, instructing them “to influence witness testimony and gave them details on how to act”.

The indictment further alleges that Thaci co-ordinated three groups, composed by Smaj, Fazliu, Kilaj, Kuci and others for whom no charges have been filed with the purpose of intervention in witnesses called by the prosecution in the current war crimes trial, Thaci and others.

“Isni Kilaj was first arrested as a suspect on November 2nd 2023, and was temporarily released under harsh conditions on May 15th, 2024. After confirming the indictment, on December 5th and 6th 2024, Isni Kilaj, Union Smaj and Fadil Fazliu were arrested and transferred to the DHSK detention unit. Hashim Thaci surrendered to the warrant for the arrest at the DHSK detention facility, while Hajredin Kuci was handed over for the first presentation. The five accused pleaded innocent. The prosecution handed in its preliminary file on September 19, 2025. Mr. Smaj, Mr. Thaci and Mr. Fazliu handed in their preliminary files on 19 October and 20 October 2025. The case file was passed to Judge Only on November 12th 2025. Isni Kilaj was released on bail in Kosovo for the second time under the Judge Only's decision on December 10th 2025. Bashkim Smaj and Fadil Fazliu were released on bail on February 10th 2026 under the decision of the judge of the Only”, the indictment said.