The Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague announced that today’s scheduled hearing in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi has been canceled.
The court did not disclose the reasons for the cancellation. However, it confirmed that the next session is expected to take place tomorrow, September 30, 2025, reports Betimi për Drejtësi.
Defense Evidence Phase Ongoing
- The defense began presenting its evidence on September 15, 2025, starting with the testimony of James Rubin, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State.
- This was followed by Paul Williams, former legal adviser to the Albanian delegation at Rambouillet, and John Stewart Duncan, former political adviser to NATO Commander Wesley Clark, who testified on September 22–23, 2025.
Protests in Support of Former KLA Leaders
On September 14, 2025, a mass protest took place in The Hague, with thousands of participants from across Albanian-inhabited territories and the diaspora expressing support for the former KLA leaders.
Next Steps in the Trial
- The KSC announced that the defense case is scheduled to conclude on November 14, 2025.
- Closing submissions and statements on the impact of alleged crimes on victims are set to be presented by December 22, 2025.
- The prosecution completed its presentation of evidence on April 15, 2025.
Background
The defense had filed a motion under Rule 130 to dismiss certain charges, arguing that incidents prior to May 1998 and after June 20, 1999, should not be included. However, on July 16, 2025, presiding judge Charles Smith III ruled that such incidents remain within the scope of the indictment and rejected the motion.
The confirmed indictment, filed on October 26, 2020, charges Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi, and Krasniqi with ten counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including crimes allegedly committed in Gjilan, Budakovë, and Semetisht.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty in their initial appearances in November 2020.
