On November 28, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague will hold a status conference in the case concerning the obstruction of justice involving Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi.
According to an announcement by Thaçi’s defense counsel, Sophie Menegon, her client will participate in the conference via video link.
The conference is scheduled to begin at around 09:30, with a 45-minute transmission delay, reports “Betimi për Drejtësi.”
Parties have been instructed to submit their positions regarding their readiness for a potential trial start during the week beginning December 15, 2025.
Hashim Thaçi has been held at the Hague Detention Centre since November 2020. He is currently on trial for war crimes, and in addition, last year he was indicted for obstruction of justice.
Regarding this obstruction case, Bashkim Smakaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Isni Kilaj were arrested in Kosovo on December 5, 2024, and transferred to the KSC detention facility on December 6, 2024, based on the confirmed indictment and arrest warrants issued by The Hague.
Thaçi was served with the arrest warrant inside the detention facility on December 5, 2024, according to the KSC notice.
Meanwhile, Hajredin Kuçi was served with the confirmed indictment and summons to appear before the Pre-Trial Judge for his initial appearance, held on December 9.
According to the indictment, Thaçi—individually and through coordinated actions with three groups: the Fazliu Group (Fadil Fazliu and Fahri Fazliu), the Smakaj Group (Bashkim Smakaj, Blerim Shala, and Artan Behrami), and the Kilaj Group (Isni Kilaj and Vllaznim Kryeziu)—pursued a pattern of conduct aimed at obstructing official persons in the performance of their duties.
The indictment states that Thaçi led and took part in these efforts through his visits to detention facilities while he was being held in connection with his war crimes and crimes against humanity proceedings.
Members of the Fazliu, Smakaj, and Kilaj groups allegedly coordinated to influence SPO witnesses during unprivileged visits on July 2, September 9, and October 6 of 2023.
As a result, Thaçi faces three counts of obstructing an official person, three counts of violating the secrecy of proceedings, and four counts of disobeying a court order.
