On August 18, 2025, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) decided to ban 11 people from visiting former president Hashim Thaçi at the Detention Unit in The Hague, in relation to the ongoing case of obstruction of justice.
The published list of those banned includes Artan Behrami, Blerim Shala, Ismail Syla, Vllaznim Kryeziu, Milaim Ahmetaj, Milaim Cakiqi, and Avni Kastrati, while four names remain redacted – reportedly similar to the surnames of Thaçi’s brothers.
🔹 What did the prosecution request?
- The prosecution had requested that three of Thaçi’s brothers also be banned from visits, but this was not approved.
- It also requested that its appeal be published in full, but the Pre-Trial Judge, Marjorie Masselot, rejected the request, noting that publishing it would disclose sensitive information about individuals suspected of assisting Thaçi in obstructive activities during visits.
🔹 Court’s reasoning
According to the decision, banning these visits is necessary to avoid the risk of disclosure of confidential information about protected witnesses. Restrictions apply only to those against whom there is credible evidence that, during unprivileged visits, Thaçi gave instructions to interfere with witnesses.
🔹 Thaçi’s defense
Defense lawyer Sophie Menegon opposed the restrictions, arguing they violate Thaçi’s fundamental rights to private and family life, as well as to communicate on matters already known to the public.
🔹 Other circumstances
- Thaçi has been in detention since November 2020.
- In addition to charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, in December 2024 he was also indicted for obstruction of justice.
- Others, including Bashkim Smakaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Isni Kilaj, are also accused of cooperating in attempts to influence witnesses.
With this decision, the KSC signals that any attempt to interfere with the judicial process through visits will be met with direct restrictions.
