The final case files in the proceedings against former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) will be submitted today to the Special Court in The Hague, marking a decisive phase in one of the most significant judicial processes related to the Kosovo war.
The Prosecution, the Victims’ Counsel, and the defense teams of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi will each submit their final written dossiers to the Trial Panel.
Following the submission of these files, the process moves to closing arguments, which are scheduled to take place from 9 to 18 February. With the conclusion of this phase, the trial will be officially considered closed.
The former UÇK leaders have been held in pre-trial detention since November 2020, with no possibility of release up to this stage of the proceedings.
After the closing arguments, the judges will have three months to issue the first-instance verdict, with the legal option to extend this deadline by an additional two months.
Key Details of the Judicial Process
In November 2020, Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi were arrested following the confirmation of an indictment and the issuance of arrest warrants by a pre-trial judge. The Prosecution alleges individual criminal responsibility for the abduction, mistreatment, and killing of hundreds of civilians and non-combatants.
According to the indictment, the alleged victims included individuals suspected of collaborating with Yugoslav forces as well as political opponents.
During the pre-trial phase, the Prosecution disclosed thousands of pages of evidence to the Defense. Defense teams conducted their own investigations and filed legal challenges against the indictment and the court’s jurisdiction. Victims were granted the right to participate in the proceedings, with 155 victims taking part.
Between April 2023 and April 2025, the Prosecution called 125 witnesses, while the Defense presented seven witnesses between September and November 2025. Each party was granted the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence presented by the opposing side.
Pre-Trial Detention and Witness Protection
Under the law, detention is permitted only when judges determine that specific risks justify continued custody. In more than 25 detention reviews, judges have consistently found that Mr. Thaçi and his co-accused posed a risk of interference with witnesses or the commission of further offenses, particularly against individuals who had testified or were expected to testify.
Judges have emphasized that detention serves to prevent retaliation against witnesses and attempts to influence or intimidate them. The necessity of detention continues to be reviewed every two months.
Public Access and Transparency
Regarding the principle of a public trial, 134 witnesses testified in open court, with 61 of them doing so without any protective measures. Despite this, the proceedings have faced notable criticism regarding transparency, particularly from segments of the public and civil society.
