Trial

The case concerns Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi in relation to offences against the administration of justice. Following the confirmation of the indictment, all five accused entered pleas of not guilty. The case file was transmitted to a Single Trial Judge on 12 November 2025 and the trial commenced on 27 February 2026. The SPO closed its case on 13 March 2026. During the Defence phase, only the Defence teams of Thaçi and Kilaj presented evidence, while a witness called by the Thaçi Defence testified in court on 11 and 12 May 2026. All Defence teams closed their cases between 14 and 18 May 2026.

The case concerns Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi in relation to events that took place between March 1998 and September 1999 at several locations in Kosovo and in Kukës and Cahan, northern Albania. The case file was transmitted to Trial Panel II on 15 December 2022. The trial commenced on 3 April 2023. On 15 April 2025, the SPO closed its case. On 16 and 17 July 2025, the Victims’ Counsel presented evidence. The Defence case commenced on 15 September 2025, with only the Defence teams of Thaçi and Krasniqi presenting evidence. On 2 December 2025, both Defence teams concluded their cases, and on 18 December 2025 the evidentiary proceedings were declared closed. Closing statements took place from 9 to 18 February 2026. There are 156 participating victims in this case.