The case against former KLA leaders: After a victim's death, two of his relatives continue procedure

This victim was admitted to these procedures on December 12, 2022, while in its death, the court was announced by the defender of the victims on March 4th 2026.

Consequently, the defender of the victims has asked the court to have two relatives of this victim participate in the procedures that have resulted in the life-changing victims.

In addition, it is noteworthy that this victim had double status as a witness.

As for relatives who will continue the procedures, a decision was made that their name should not be known either to the parties or to the public.

“M IRATHON Request and allows the Nearer to continue the action of V072/06 as the participating victims in this procedure; b) U n SERVANT that the safeguard clauses of anonymity are given to the Nearers for the purposes of their participation as victims in procedure; c) U n IN THE event that names and identifying records of the Near Ages be kept secret by Pauls and the public; and d) U n RELIGION: (i) V072A/06 is assigned [ V072/06; and (i) nickname V072B/06 tTE) V072/06's REDACTED for the purposes of this” procedure, the decision says.

In addition, the ruling states that this victim had died before the court closed the case.

Otherwise, the Prosecution's closing word began on Monday, February 9, 2026, and ended the following day, on February 10th, where specialised chief prosecutor Kimberly West sought a unique sentence of 45 years in prison for each of the four accused. But on February 10th, the final word was also given by the defender of the victims, Simon Laws.

While on February 11, 2026, he gave his final word to Hashim Thaci's defence and began the defence of Wessel, and continued on February 12th. That same day, Selimi's final statement began and ended on February 13th, the date on which Krasniqi's defence statements later started. The latter concluded concluding statements on February 16th, which continued with court questions and the responses of defence and prosecution.

On February 18th, however, the accused gave their word. Hashim Thaci said the only power he had was his voice and that the KLA was not the state, was the popular organisation for protection from the aggressor. And Kadri Wessel said that there is no evidence that he committed a crime and that he has a clean conscience.

During his speech, Rexhep Selimi said the charges against them are completely unfounded and unfair, and are efforts to tarnish their fight. In addition, he said he hopes justice will bring them home.

On the other hand, Jakup Krasniqi said he was denied the right to freedom as one in the final phase of life. He added that he has spent some 16 years in prison only because he fought for his people. In addition, Krasniqi said that “if the love of freedom is deemed a crime, then history itself will be punished”.

Otherwise, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office, on September 30th 2022, has handed over the confirmed amended indictment to Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, which consists of ten points of charges, where the latter are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.

On April 29th 2022, the Specialised Prosecutor's Office had handed over a amended indictment against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Wessel, Rexhepi and Jakup Krasniqi, where four indictees have committed war crimes even in Gjilan, the Semetish Budakov.

On November 9th 2020, in their first appearances, Hashim Thaci's Jakup Krasniqi has pleaded innocent to charges placed on them. Wessel has also been declared in his presentation on November 10th, as has Rexhep Selimi on November 11th.

The incident against Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselin, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi is confirmed on October 26, 2020. / Justice Trust