The Special Court in The Hague is entering a new phase on September 15, when the defense of former President Hashim Thaçi is expected to begin presenting its evidence and witnesses. But this phase will include a highly unusual element: the direct presence of representatives from the United States Government inside the courtroom.
On August 18, Thaçi’s defense team received U.S. approval for the testimony of the coded witness “1DW-003” – a figure still anonymous to the public but known to the trial chamber. The matter does not end there: the Americans have imposed a long list of conditions for how this witness will testify.
According to a document by lawyer Luka Mišetić, the U.S. has restricted the scope of questions that can be asked to the witness, allowed refusals to answer for confidentiality reasons, and requested to be physically present during the questioning.
At the same time, Thaçi’s defense has confirmed that it is awaiting approval for four additional witnesses. For W04174, the green light has already been given by the U.S., while discussions continue for 1DW-007 and 1DW-008. Approval for 1DW-010 remains blocked.
These developments highlight the decisive role of the United States in the Hague process, not only as outside observers but now also as guarantors of the conditions under which key witnesses will testify. A reality that adds further guarantees to the proceedings.
