A defense preparatory conference has been held at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague in the court case against Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi.
Thaçi, Kilaj, and Fazliu attended via video link, while Kuçi and Smakaj waived their right to participate, which the presiding judge, Christopher Gosnell, said is permitted under the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
During the preparatory conference, the parties presented their arguments regarding witnesses and possible hearing dates.
Judge Gosnell instructed the parties to be available on April 14 and 15 for the potential testimony of a defense witness.
He also announced that there will be no witness hearings next week. The trial has been postponed until April 14, depending on further court notifications.
“Taking into account the submissions heard today and those received under Rule 119, it is clear that there will be no witnesses to be heard at least during the week starting April 7, 2026. The next potential witness is DHD 01, but this will depend on the outcome of a request under Rule 153,” Gosnell stated.
Through an oral order, Gosnell also instructed Thaçi’s defense team to submit their requests by tomorrow at 16:00, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding witness availability and justification for any scheduling changes.
Defense teams had previously submitted notices regarding the presentation of evidence in the case, which relates to allegations of obstruction of justice. However, during today’s conference, it was noted that it is still unclear whether any witnesses will testify orally in court.
Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi, who are accused of obstruction of justice, have all pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution claims it possesses evidence, including audio recordings from the detention center in The Hague.
Defense lawyers have rejected these claims, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence does not prove the alleged offenses.
Thaçi and the others are accused of providing confidential information and instructions to witnesses during visits in The Hague in 2023, related to the war crimes trial.
Former President Thaçi is also facing separate charges for alleged war crimes alongside Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi.
Closing arguments in that case were delivered in February.
The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office has requested 45 years of imprisonment for each of the four former KLA leaders. Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi, and Selimi have pleaded not guilty to all charges, with the defense stating there is no evidence supporting the prosecution’s claims.
The case has now been submitted to the trial panel, which has three months to reach a final verdict, with the possibility of extension due to the extensive case file.
Closing statements began on February 9 and concluded on February 18.
The trial against the four former KLA leaders began on April 3, 2023, nearly three years after the indictment was confirmed, during which time they have been held in detention in The Hague.
