Trial for the Administration of Justice / Special Court Sets Dates for Closing Statements

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers have announced that the closing statements in the trial concerning the administration of justice against Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi will be held on September 10, 11 and 14.

The hearings are scheduled to begin at 09:30 and will be open to the public.

The announcement states that, on August 20, the judge granted the requests of Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi to follow the closing statements via videoconference.

The parties will use this phase of the proceedings to summarize their positions and arguments, referring to the evidence admitted, the credibility of witnesses, the record of the proceedings and the applicable law.

The Specialist Prosecutor will speak first, followed by the Defence’s closing statement.

After that, the parties will be given the opportunity to respond to each other’s arguments. The accused will have the final word.

With the conclusion of the closing statements, the Trial Panel will consider the case closed.