Thaçi et al. (administration of justice): Third scheduling order issued; hearings in August cancelled

Following the Rule 131 notice filed by the Smakaj Defence on 30 July 2026 indicating that it will not present a case, the Single Trial Judge vacated the hearings previously scheduled for 17–19 August 2026, as well as the deadlines set out in the Second Scheduling Order.

The Judge also ordered the SPO to file any motion to present rebuttal evidence by 4 August 2026 at 12:00 p.m. If no such motion is filed, the evidentiary proceedings will be closed and the Judge intends to set the following deadlines:

24 August 2026, at 4:00 p.m. – Final trial briefs, if any;

4 September 2026 – Reply briefs, if any; and

10, 11 and 14 September 2026 – Closing statements.