28 minutes agoHague trial, Kerin says evidence is on defence side
Periskopi(3 months ago)
(3 months ago)The final decision in the trial against Hashim Thaci and others is expected at the Special Court in The Hague. Lawyer Artan Qerinin estimates that the evidence is on the defence side and requires innocence, while the Court does not elaborate whether the verdict can be made within 90 days. Final words in the trial against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Rexhep Selimi [...]
Final words in the trial against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi ended on February 18th, while on May 19th they become 90 days from the official closure of the case. Now, everything remains in the hands of the court, pending final decision.
Lawyer Artan Qerkini says that although the final assessment of the evidence is made during decision-making, part of it has been analysed during the trial. The target stresses that justice is more important than the speed of the process.
It's been given the fact that the court had only this case in treatment, I believe part of the trials were assessed even during the trial. But the final assessment is made in the decision-making phase. If additional time is needed, it is natural for it to be taken to ensure a fair decision”, he told RTK.
According to Kerin, although the prosecution has presented large numbers of evidence and witnesses, their quality remains questionable.
“Procuroria has tried to replace a lack of quality by quantity. He's called about 150 witnesses, and defense only 8, but with very high quality. So I think the quality of evidence is on the side of protection and the only legitimate decision is innocence”, he added.
On the other hand, Special Court spokesman Michael Doyle said it is still unknown whether the court will announce the verdict within the first three months.
After closing the case, the Judicial Chamber has 90 days to carefully review the evidence and arguments presented and reach a decision. If they need more time to examine them, these 90 days may last. So far, there is no public information if the reviews will last beyond the initial 90-day period”, he confirmed.
Among other things, lawyer Qerkeyni also criticises the continuation of the detention of Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselin, Jakup Krasniqi's Rexhepi, calling it unwarranted in this phase. Until the final decision, the four indictees will continue to stay at the Pre-prison Centre in the Netherlands. /Periscopi
