Live update

Here is the transcript of today's KSC Weekly Press Briefing.

Earlier today, the Defence of Kadri Veseli completed its closing statement and requested that the Trial Panel acquit its client of all charges. The Defence of Rexhep Selimi is now presenting its closing statement.

The Defence of Hashim Thaçi completed its closing statement yesterday and requested the Trial Panel to enter a judgment of acquittal. The Defence of Kadri Veseli then began presenting its closing statement, which resumed this morning.

Following its decision ordering the continued detention of Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi, as previously announced here, the Trial Panel, on 10 February, ordered the continued detention of Hashim Thaçi. As with the other accused, the Panel found that the risks that he may obstruct the progress of the proceedings or commit further offences continue to exist. 

Following the closing statements of the SPO and the Victims’ Counsel over the past two days, the Defence has begun presenting its closing statements this morning. The Defence of Hashim Thaçi is scheduled to proceed first, followed by the Defence teams of Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi. Defence submissions are expected to continue throughout this week and into the beginning of next week.

Today, 10/02/2026, Bashkim Smakaj and Fadil Fazliu were provisionally released in Kosovo subject to conditions, following the most recent review of detention by the Single Trial Judge in the case of The Specialist Prosecutor v Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi (“Case 12”). More details in the Press Release. 

On 2 February 2026, the President of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC), Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, decided to modify Mr Haxhi Shala’s sentence to provide for his release under the conditions set forth in the decision. These conditions will continue to apply for the remainder of the 3-year sentence imposed on him. Mr. Shala was released and returned to Kosovo on 10/02/2026. More details in the Press Release. 

The Victims’ Counsel completed his closing statement today, after which the hearing adjourned. The trial resumes tomorrow, 11 February, when the Defence teams are expected to begin their closing statements.

The SPO completed its closing statement today. It requested the Trial Panel to find all four accused guilty on all counts in the indictment and to sentence each of them to 45 years’ imprisonment.

The Victims’ Counsel is now presenting his closing statement.
 

The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office has commenced its closing statement in the Thaçi et al. trial today. According to the scheduling order, the SPO’s submissions are expected to continue into tomorrow, 10 February. The Victims’ Counsel is scheduled to present its closing statement next, followed by the Defence teams from 11 February onwards.