The third day of closing statements began today in the trial against former President of Kosovo Hashim Thaçi, former parliamentary leaders Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi, and former MP Rexhep Selimi at the Special Court in The Hague.
Former President Thaçi is represented by attorney Luka Misetic.
Misetic is currently recalling what several witnesses said in defense of Thaçi.
“You have heard from international witnesses who stated that Hashim Thaçi was not suspected of war crimes while these events were occurring. The international witnesses informed you that they were aware of these events through diplomatic sources, intelligence services, and other channels, as well as through their personal experiences, including experiences with Hashim Thaçi,” Misetic said.
Among the figures who testified in Thaçi’s defense are former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Rubin, and retired U.S. diplomat Christopher Hill.
The attorney began his statement by declaring that former President Thaçi is innocent and that this presumption of innocence should guide the court’s decision.
“When you begin your deliberations, you should start from the position that Hashim Thaçi is innocent, and then you will evaluate whether the evidence presented by the Office of the Specialist Prosecutor has convinced you, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Hashim Thaçi is guilty,” Misetic told the judges.
