Hashim Thaçi will remain in custody until the verdict is delivered in the joint trial case against him, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi.
Të lidhura
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The request for release by the former president of Kosovo has been rejected by the Trial Panel of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague, which ordered the continuation of detention. This marks the 27th decision extending the measure against Thaçi.
In the decision rendered on August 10, the judges concluded that at this stage they do not have sufficient information to assess that Thaçi could evade justice if released.
Nevertheless, the Trial Panel has assessed that there is still a sufficient risk that he could interfere with the proceedings of the Specialist Chambers or exert influence over witnesses.
The reasoning of the decision states that the Panel currently lacks sufficient data to conclude that Mr. Thaçi would avoid justice if released. However, according to the relevant standard, the Panel is convinced that there is a sufficient risk that he could obstruct the proceedings of the Specialist Chambers and commit other crimes against persons perceived as opponents of the KLA, including witnesses who have presented evidence in this case.
The pronouncement of the verdict for Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi, and Krasniqi is scheduled for September 16, 2026.
With the same decision, presiding judge Charles Smith instructed the parties not to submit any further submissions for the next review of Thaçi’s detention, which, according to the timelines, was due to be held on October 9, 2026.
The Trial Panel has assessed that such a review is no longer needed at this point, because the verdict announcement hearing is scheduled for September 16.
The Panel clarified that, pursuant to Article 41(10), the next review of Mr. Thaçi’s detention is in principle scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2026, unless the Trial Judgment is pronounced before that date.
The trial against Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi, and Krasniqi has been taking place in The Hague since 2023. The prosecution charges them with a series of criminal offenses it claims were committed during and after the war in Kosovo, while all four defendants have pleaded not guilty.
