Ekaterina Trendafilova, President of the Specialist Chambers, stated in an interview with Kosovo Online that the recent protest in Pristina, organized by the Kosovo Liberation Army Veterans’ Organization (OVL-UÇK), illustrates how difficult and unsafe it would be to conduct court trials within Kosovo.
She canceled a planned press appearance following the protest but said she had no major announcement to make — her aim had been simply to update the public on developments at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
“The protest shows how difficult it would be to ensure secure trials and smooth, uninterrupted proceedings if they were held in Kosovo,” she said.
Trendafilova emphasized the importance the Court places on witness and victim protection.
“If people are afraid to tell their stories in court or are pressured to change their testimony, it becomes much harder for judges to uncover the truth,” she noted.
She explained that protective measures are implemented inside the courtroom and that Kosovo and the EU agreed to hold trials abroad precisely due to security concerns. According to her, recent events confirm that this was a wise and practical decision.
Trendafilova also highlighted her respect for journalists and her wish to maintain transparency:
“I was looking forward to engaging with the media, answering their questions, and helping ensure the public receives accurate information. Legal matters can be complex, and the media plays a vital role in relaying information to the public.”
She commented on misconceptions in Kosovar media regarding defendants’ rights, noting that the Specialist Chambers strictly upholds these rights.
When asked whether she will visit Kosovo again, Trendafilova confirmed she will return in the future to continue informing the public about the work of the court.
As for the trials of former KLA leaders, including Hashim Thaçi, she said it’s still too early to speak of a conclusion. However, she underlined that a major phase ended in April 2025, when the Prosecution completed the presentation of its evidence.
“We are now entering the next phase, where the defense teams will present motions to dismiss the charges,” she concluded.
