Trial of Thaci for justice management, defence will not issue opening statements

In the case where Hashim Thaci, along with the Smajan Union, Fadil Fazliu, Isni Ciljan and Hajredin Kuci are accused of criminal acts against administration of justice, Thaci's defence has announced that at the beginning of the trial, it will not issue an opening statement.

This announcement, Thaci's defense, represented by Sophie Menegon, has revealed through a preamble of February 2nd 2026, reports “Justice Trust“.

However, the defence has announced that it reserves the right to issue an opening statement following the outcome of the case on the prosecution's part and prior to the opening of their case.

Otherwise, the beginning of the trial against Hashim Thaci, the Smkaj Union, Isni Kilajt, Fadil Fazlius and Hajredin Kuci for criminal acts against justice administration is scheduled on February 27th 2026.

Hashim Thaci has been at The Hague's Prosecution Centre since November 2020. He is being tried for war crimes, as well as 2024, has been subjected to charges against justice administration.

In terms of the case against justice administration, the Smaj Union, Fadil Fazliu and Isni Kilaj were arrested on December 5th 2024 in Kosovo and transferred to the detention facility in DrsK, on December 6th 2024 under the confirmed indictment and spoke of the arrests issued by The Hague.

While, Thaci has been handed over to the warrant at the detention facility in The Hague on December 5th, 2024, always according to the DPS report.

In contrast, Hajredin Kuci has been handed over to the confirmed indictment and the call to appear before the court of preliminary procedure for the first presentation, which was held December 9th.

According to the indictment, Thaci individually and through joint actions with groups; The band Fazliu (Fadil Fazliu and Fahri Fazliu), the Smaj Group (Bashkim Smaj, Blerim Shala and Artan Behrami) and the Kilaj Group (Isni Kilaj and Vlasnim Kryeziu) have followed a pattern of behavior to prevent official persons from performing official duties.

The indictment says Thaci has led and participated in these efforts through his visits to detention facilities during the time he was detained under his trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

It says that members of the Fazliu Group, the Smaj Group and the Kilaj Group were co-ordinated to influence SPS witnesses during the unprincipled visits of July 2nd, September 9th and October 6, 2023.

As a result, three counts of obstructing the official person in carrying out official duties bear against Thaci three counts of violations of the procedure's secrecy and four counts of disobedience to the court.

While, Kilaj, Smaj and Fazliu are accused of trying to prevent official persons from performing official duties and disobeying the tribunal. However, Kuci has two counts of contempt of court. In this case, the prosecution submitted the preliminary file. And his record of this phase of procedure has been handed over by Fadil Fazliu. /Betimitor Justice/