Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi is facing a second trial before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, with a verdict in the case potentially due by December 14, according to an analysis by journalist Rina Mujku.
Thaçi is being tried alongside former Kosovo intelligence chief Bashkim Smakaj, former Kosovo deputy prime minister and minister Hajredin Kuçi, former Kosovo Liberation Army member Isni Kilaj and Fadil Fazliu in a case concerning alleged obstruction of the administration of justice.
Speaking from The Hague, Mujku said the proceedings have now reached the closing stage, meaning that no further ordinary hearings involving witnesses or the presentation of evidence are expected.
“This is the last day when there will be a normal hearing in the courtroom of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers,” Mujku said, explaining that future hearings in the case will be related to the announcement of decisions rather than the presentation of additional evidence or arguments.
She noted that the second case against Thaçi began after the proceedings involving the first set of charges, with the first appearance of Salih Mustafa in September 2020 marking the beginning of the broader period of proceedings at the Specialist Chambers.
Verdict could come within 90 days
Mujku said the timing of the verdict in the second case depends on when Judge Christopher Gosnell formally closes the proceedings.
According to her explanation, if Gosnell formally closes the case orally on September 14, the court would have up to 90 days under the rules of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers to issue a decision.
That would place the potential deadline for the verdict at December 14, 2026.
Mujku compared the situation with proceedings in the main case against Thaçi and the other former KLA leaders, where Judge Charles Smith formally concluded the final arguments on February 18, 2026.
The second case concerns allegations of attempts to obstruct the administration of justice, including alleged interference with witnesses and the judicial process. The defendants have pleaded not guilty and deny the charges.
The proceedings are separate from the main war crimes and crimes against humanity case against Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, for which the first-instance verdict is expected on September 16.
The two cases have therefore reached critical stages at the same time, with the outcome of the main trial expected this week and a potential verdict in the second case later in the year.
