The media outlet JusticeInfo.net reported on the testimony of James Rubin in The Hague as a defense witness. The report highlighted several key statements from the former high-ranking U.S. official who directly participated in the Rambouillet negotiations.
In one part of the report, Rubin described a mountain meeting with those he referred to as the “real commanders” to proceed with the demilitarization of the KLA. According to Rubin, it was clear that Hashim Thaçi did not hold decision-making power.
“They were older men, around 50 or older. Hashim was a young man, like me in that photo [shown by the defense, Thaçi and Rubin sitting on a brown couch], looking terribly young. And so it was clear to me that he was not in charge. He did not have the knowledge, skills, or authority to make any decisions in any way, form, or shape. […] They told him what to do. He did not tell them what to do.”
The report further states that the defense team of Hashim Thaçi, following James Rubin and Paul Williams, will present nine more witnesses in the Special Court and will request acceptance of one written testimony.
Jakup Krasniqi’s team will present one witness and three written testimonies, if allowed by the court.
Meanwhile, the defense lawyers for Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi announced in July that they do not intend to present any evidence.
The defense case is tentatively scheduled to conclude on November 14. The parties will then have a month to submit their final briefs and an additional three weeks for final statements. Afterward, the judges will have around 90 days to issue their review and decisions.
