Kosovo is celebrating the 18th anniversary of its independence today. As such, the Special Court in The Hague observes a day off. However, there have been occasions when hearings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers were held on public holidays.
This had previously occurred on November 28, Albania’s Independence Day, when a preparatory conference was scheduled against former President Hashim Thaçi. Thaçi reacted before the bench, stating that such scheduling should be avoided.
Tomorrow, the Specialist Chambers will continue with statements from Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi. The KLA four will each have 20 minutes to speak for the entirety of this trial process.
Yesterday, Jakup Krasniqi’s defense team concluded their closing statement, after which the bench proceeded with questions for the Office of the Specialist Prosecutor and the defense teams. The prosecutors then delivered their rebuttals.
Closing statements began on February 9, when Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West requested 45-year prison sentences for the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
The defense teams have argued that all four should be acquitted of all charges, stating there is no evidence supporting the Specialist Prosecutor’s claims of war crimes.
Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi are facing charges brought by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, which they and their defense teams have labeled as unfounded. The defense has also rejected the allegations, arguing that the KLA did not have an organized command structure.
The trial began on April 3, 2023, nearly three years after the indictment was confirmed and the former KLA leaders were detained in The Hague’s detention center.
