Lawyer Ardian Bajraktari has described as “unfounded” the decision of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague to impose restrictions on visits to former President Hashim Thaçi, considering the prosecution’s proposal unjustified.
In an interview, Bajraktari argued that there is no risk of witness tampering, since the prosecution has already completed the hearing of all its witnesses.
“I consider such a proposal by the prosecution as unfounded, because in the current stage of the criminal procedure—specifically in the first case against Mr. Thaçi and others—the hearing of all witnesses called by the prosecution has already been completed, making any influence on them impossible. We are dealing with a baseless accusation, since the elements of the alleged criminal offense, such as violence or serious threats, cannot exist in this situation. This is a person who has been in detention for five years,” Bajraktari said.
According to him, these attempts are intentional efforts by the prosecution to shift attention away from the trial, which resumes in September, when the decisive role will belong to the defense team. He called the move an effort to create “media spectacle.”
Bajraktari also emphasized that under the rules of the Specialist Chambers, no one can visit the former KLA leaders without prior approval, and therefore such restrictions are unnecessary.
He welcomed the court’s decision not to approve the prosecution’s proposal regarding Thaçi’s brothers, stressing its importance given Thaçi’s condition after the loss of his father.
“It would have been wrong for the court to approve that, considering Thaçi’s state after his father’s death. These measures are unnecessary and disproportionate,” he added.
Bajraktari further stated that the defense’s witness list is composed of highly credible individuals who will successfully counter the prosecution’s claims, particularly regarding Thaçi’s role and contribution during the war.
