The participating victim in the case against Salih Mustafa, that presented views and concerns to the Panel, said:
“Lastly, I want to say that I hope one day we will all be free to speak out about what we've lived through. I hope for a future free from crime, murder, and fear. All I'm asking for is freedom. We love our country, Kosovo, and it has never been our intention to say anything bad about it. All I'm asking is to be free to speak out about what we went through without any fear. I hope that one day we will be able to.”
PARTICIPATION
Victims who participate in proceedings before the KSC have certain rights, including the right to notification, acknowledgement and reparations.
They exercise their rights through Victims’ Counsel. Victims’ Counsel may be present at court hearings, reply to any submissions of the parties and will keep the victims informed throughout the proceedings. Victims’ Counsel will seek victims’ views, hear their concerns and bring these to the attention of the Judges.
Victims have been admitted for participation in three cases before the KSC.
CASE v. SALIH MUSTAFA – KSC-BC-2020-05
8 participating victims (3 direct, 5 indirect)
Participating victims are grouped in one group and represented by Victims’ Counsel, Dr Anni Pues.
Victims’ Counsel held opening and closing statements, submitted written and oral submissions, questioned witnesses, proposed experts and made reparation requests to the Panel. In addition, one participating victim presented views and concerns to the Panel in the courtroom and seven participating victims were called as witnesses.
CASE v. PJETËR SHALA – KSC-BC-2020-04
8 participating victims (1 direct and indirect, 7 indirect)
Participating victims are grouped in one group and represented by Victims’ Counsel, Mr Simon Laws.
Throughout the proceedings, Victims’ Counsel has been present at hearings, has made opening statements, several oral and written submissions, has access to confidential material and has been keeping participating victims informed about the proceedings.
CASE v. HASHIM THAÇI ET AL. – KSC-BC-2020-06
143 participating victims (29 direct, 106 indirect, 8 both)
Participating victims are grouped in one group and represented by Victims’ Counsel, Mr Simon Laws.
Throughout the proceedings, Victims’ Counsel has been present at hearings, has made opening statements, several oral and written submissions, has access to confidential material and has been keeping participating victims informed about the proceedings.