On Monday, February 9, 2026, the final phase of the largest trial at the Specialized Chambers of Kosovo in The Hague will begin. Former UÇK leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi are facing charges brought by the Special Prosecutor’s Office, which they have consistently denied.
In this phase, the prosecution, defense teams, and the accused will have the opportunity to present their arguments to the court for the last time.
Schedule for Closing Statements
- Prosecution: 8 hours
- Each defense team: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Each accused: 20 minutes to address the court
After the closing statements, the judges will deliberate. By rule, a decision should be delivered within three months, though the court may extend this period if needed.
Process and Expectations
The trial began on April 3, 2023, nearly three years after the indictment was confirmed. The former UÇK leaders have been held in pre-trial detention in The Hague since November 2020.
Their lawyer, Artan Çerkini, stated that the prosecution will attempt to convince the court that the charges are based on facts and evidence, while the defense will argue the opposite, claiming that the UÇK did not have an organized command structure.
Blendina Veliqi, a monitor from the Kosovo Justice Institute, emphasized that the trial has been extremely prolonged, with a large number of witnesses and extensive material evidence.
Çerkini does not expect a verdict before June 2026, due to the trial’s complexity and the volume of evidence that must be examined.
Protests and Public Support
Over the past year, five protests have been organized in Prishtina, The Hague, Tirana, Strasbourg, and Skopje in support of the former UÇK leaders, with the slogan “Justice for the Liberators.” Another protest is expected in Prishtina on the anniversary of Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence.
The Specialized Chambers are part of Kosovo’s judicial system but operate with international staff in The Hague and are primarily funded by the European Union.
This year is considered crucial for the fate of the four former UÇK leaders, who have now been in detention for five years.
