Judge Charles Smith, opening the hearing for the verdict in the case against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, stressed that the proceedings are not about the legitimacy of the Kosovo Liberation Army or its goal of an independent Kosovo.
“This case concerns the acts and conduct of the accused. It concerns only the facts and circumstances related to the charges against the accused,” Smith said.
He emphasized that the proceedings do not concern the legitimacy of the KLA or its objective of achieving an independent Kosovo.
“This case is not about assessing the responsibility of one side against the other. It is not about crimes committed by Serbian forces and paramilitaries against Kosovo Albanians. This case does not concern any claim of self-defense,” Smith added.
The trial panel delivering the verdict against Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi is presided over by Judge Charles Smith.
