Special Court leaves Thaçi in detention, assesses that risk of ‘further crimes’ exists

Hashim Thaçi will remain in custody until the judgment is announced in the joint trial against him, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi.

The former president’s request for release was rejected by the Trial Panel of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague, which ordered the continuation of the detention measure. This marks the 27th decision to extend Thaçi’s detention.

In the decision taken on August 10, the judges concluded that, at this stage, they do not have sufficient information to assess that Thaçi might evade justice if released.

Despite this, the Trial Panel assessed that there continues to be a sufficient risk that he will obstruct the progress of the proceedings at the Specialist Chambers or influence witnesses.

“The Panel concludes that, at this time, there continues to be insufficient information before it that would justify a finding that Mr. Thaçi might evade justice if released. However, the Panel is satisfied, based on the relevant standard, that there is a sufficient risk that Mr. Thaçi will obstruct the progress of the Specialist Chambers’ proceedings and that he will commit further crimes against those perceived as opponents of the KLA, including witnesses who have provided evidence in this case,” the decision states.

The final judgment in the proceedings against Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi, and Krasniqi is expected to be made public on September 16, 2026.

Presiding Judge Charles Smith, through the same decision, has instructed the parties not to submit any further motions for the next review of Thaçi’s detention. According to the deadlines, this review was due to take place on October 9, 2026.

The Trial Panel assessed that such a review is, at this moment, no longer necessary, as the hearing for the pronouncement of the judgment is scheduled for September 16.

“The Panel notes that, in accordance with Article 41(10), the next review of Mr. Thaçi’s detention is, in principle, set to take place on Friday, October 9, 2026, unless the Trial Judgment is announced in the meantime,” the decision specifies.

The judicial process against Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi, and Krasniqi has been underway in The Hague since 2023. The prosecution charges them with a series of criminal offenses allegedly committed during and after the war in Kosovo, while all four defendants have pleaded not guilty.