The trial in the case “Thaçi and others” regarding the administration of justice continues today at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
Today the third witness of the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO), Christopher Kelly, continues his testimony. Kelly currently works as a part-time contractor for the SPO specializing in digital criminal investigations and digital forensics.
During yesterday’s session, Kelly stated that during the forensic examinations he did not identify any communication between Fadil Fazliu and Rrustem Mustafa (known as Remi).
Background of the case
After the confirmation of the indictment against the five accused:
- Isni Kilaj
- Bashkim Smakaj
- Fadil Fazliu
- Hashim Thaçi
- Hajredin Kuçi
three of them — Kilaj, Smakaj, and Fazliu — were arrested by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office on 5 December 2024 and transferred to the detention facility of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague on 6 December 2024.
Hashim Thaçi received the arrest warrant while already in detention, while Hajredin Kuçi received a summons for his initial appearance.
Pleas of the accused
During their first appearances in December 2024:
- Fazliu pleaded not guilty to all charges
- Kuçi and Kilaj also pleaded not guilty
- Thaçi and Smakaj initially did not enter a plea
Later:
- Smakaj submitted his not-guilty plea on 3 January 2025
- Thaçi submitted his not-guilty plea on 6 January 2025
Trial timeline
On 11 November 2025, the pre-trial judge informed the court presidency that the case file was ready to be transferred to a trial judge. The case was officially transferred on 12 November 2025.
The trial preparation conference was held on 28 November 2025, while the trial officially began on 27 February 2026.
