A defense preparatory conference was held at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi.
Thaçi, Kilaj, and Fazliu attended via video link, while Kuçi and Smakaj waived their right to participate, which the presiding judge, Christopher Gosnell, said is permitted under the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
During the preparatory conference, the parties presented their arguments regarding witnesses and possible hearing dates.
Judge Gosnell instructed the parties to be available on April 14 and 15 for the possible testimony of a defense witness. He also announced that there will be no witness hearings next week. The trial has been postponed until April 14, depending on further court notifications.
“Considering the submissions heard today in the courtroom and the related filings under Rule 119, it is clear that there are no witnesses to be heard at least during the week starting April 7, 2026. The next potential witness, who may appear in court, is witness DHD 01. However, this will depend on the outcome of the request under Rule 153, which must first be submitted and decided upon. I ask the parties to be available on April 14 and 15 for a possible hearing of this witness,” Gosnell said.
He further emphasized that Thaçi’s defense team must submit their requests by tomorrow at 16:00 and be as specific as possible regarding the timing of witness testimonies.
“I ask Thaçi’s team to be as concrete as possible in their submission, clearly indicating when witnesses can appear to testify. If they are categorized as expert witnesses, their availability must be specified. Additionally, if they are to appear within 30 days, proper justification must be provided to shorten the deadlines set in the trial schedule. If they are to be heard after April 28, justified reasons must be given to amend the approved calendar,” Gosnell added.
Defense teams had previously submitted notices regarding the presentation of evidence in the case related to charges of obstruction of justice. However, it was stated during today’s conference that it is still unclear whether any witnesses will testify orally in court.
Thaçi, Smakaj, Kilaj, Fazliu, and Kuçi—who are accused of obstruction of justice—have all pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution claims it has evidence, including audio recordings from the detention center in The Hague. Defense lawyers, however, have challenged these claims, stating that the prosecution’s evidence does not prove the alleged criminal offenses.
Thaçi and the others are accused of having provided confidential information and instructions to witnesses during visits in The Hague in 2023, related to the war crimes trial.
Former president Hashim Thaçi is also facing separate charges of alleged war crimes, together with Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi.
The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office has requested 45 years of imprisonment for each of the four former KLA leaders. Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi, and Selimi have pleaded not guilty to all charges, with the defense arguing that there is no evidence supporting the prosecution’s claims.
The case has now been submitted to the trial panel, which has three months to reach a final decision and may request additional time due to the extensive case file.
Closing statements began on February 9 and concluded on February 18.
The trial against the four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders started on April 3, 2023, nearly three years after the indictment was confirmed. Since then, the former KLA leaders have been held in detention in The Hague.
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