The former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) remain in detention in The Hague since 2020, where one of the most consequential trials for Kosovo continues to unfold.
Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi are facing charges brought by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, charges which all four defendants have consistently rejected as unfounded.
According to the indictment, they are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes, but each of them pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearances.
Michael Doyle, spokesperson for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, told Front Online that the Trial Panel has adopted a new procedural order establishing deadlines and guidelines for the remaining phases of the case.
The Court has set 19 January 2026 as the final deadline for both the Prosecution and the Defense to submit their complete case files.
“The Trial Panel has also set 19 January 2026 as the deadline for the Prosecution and the Defense to file their final trial briefs, and for the Victims’ Counsel to submit the impact statement on behalf of the 155 participating victims,” the statement reads.
The closing statements of all parties are scheduled to take place between 9 and 13 February 2026, marking the end of the public phase of the proceedings.
“After the closing statements, the Trial Panel will close the evidentiary proceedings and begin deliberations for issuing the judgment. The judgment must be delivered within 90 days of the closure of the trial. If necessary, an extension of up to 60 additional days may be granted,” Doyle added.
The Specialist Chambers have also set a date for the beginning of the second trial involving former President Hashim Thaçi.
Judge Christopher Gosnell has scheduled 24 February 2026 for the start of the trial against Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi, in the case concerning obstruction of justice.
This phase will proceed in a single block until 6 March 2026, during which the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office will present its main body of evidence.
