The judicial proceedings against Hashim Thaçi and several co-defendants continued today, 4 March 2026, at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, where they are facing charges related to obstruction of justice.
According to court schedules, today’s session is expected to resume at 09:30, while the public broadcast of the hearing is delayed by approximately 45 minutes.
Expert Testimony Continues
On Tuesday, 3 March 2026, Dutch forensic expert Kun Herlar began delivering his testimony. Working at the Netherlands Institute of Criminalistics, he told the court he examined documents at the request of the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO).
His testimony is expected to continue today, with defense teams preparing to question the witness.
During yesterday’s hearing—largely held behind closed doors—Thaçi’s defense lawyer Sofi Menegon challenged the witness’s refusal to answer certain questions on confidentiality grounds.
She argued that there was insufficient legal basis for refusing to respond and requested that either the witness be compelled to answer or that his testimony not be considered by the court.
The presiding judge is expected to rule on this objection during the ongoing proceedings.
Changes to Conditional Release Measures
The court also decided to modify the conditions of conditional release for several co-defendants:
- Bashkim Smakaj
- Isni Kilaj
- Fadil Fazliu
- Hajredin Kuçi
According to Judge Christoph Gosnell, the revised decision allows the four defendants to communicate with one another and discuss the case within the premises of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
However, confidential matters must not be discussed in public spaces, and all previously imposed restrictions remain in effect outside the court premises.
Summary of the Indictment
Last week, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office presented a summary of the indictment and delivered its opening statement, outlining allegations that Thaçi bears individual criminal responsibility for attempts to obstruct officials in the performance of their duties during several periods in 2023.
The indictment includes multiple counts, such as:
- Attempted obstruction of officials in the performance of official duties through coordinated actions with others.
- Violation of the secrecy of proceedings, including unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.
- Disclosure of the identity and personal data of a protected witness.
- Contempt of court, linked to alleged actions carried out during different periods in 2023.
Prosecution’s Allegations
During opening statements, prosecutors claimed that Thaçi allegedly attempted to influence witnesses through individuals who visited him in detention, with the aim of minimizing his role during the war and affecting testimony in the ongoing trial.
According to the prosecution, key evidence includes audio and video recordings of meetings, in which instructions allegedly aimed at influencing witnesses can be heard.
Prosecutors also presented physical evidence, including a bag containing shredded documents discovered outside the residence of Isni Kilaj, which they claim included confidential witness testimony.
Investigators allege that confidential materials were passed during visits to Thaçi in detention and later found during searches, forming part of the prosecution’s case.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
All defendants present in court stated that they understood the charges and pleaded not guilty, as the trial—linked to the broader proceedings against Thaçi for alleged war crimes in Kosovo—continues in The Hague.
The court process is expected to continue with further witness questioning and procedural decisions in the coming sessions.
