On 8 July 2026, Single Trial Judge Christopher Gosnell issued a new order on the further conduct of proceedings in the case against Thaçi, Smakaj, Kilaj, Fazliu and Kuçi.
Following the admission of the expert evidence of Witness 8 (Koen Herlaar), pursuant to the earlier decision of the Court of Appeals Panel, Judge Gosnell instructed the Defence to notify the Court by 15 July 2026 whether it intends to present any additional evidence responsive to Witness 8's testimony.
Should the Defence not seek to present any additional evidence, the Single Trial Judge indicated that he intends to close the evidentiary proceedings on 16 July 2026 and invite the Parties to file their final trial briefs and reply briefs by 22 July and 5 August 2026, respectively.
More details are available in the Single Trial Judge's order.