Schedule set for closing arguments in Thaçi and others justice obstruction case

Under the order, the prosecution has been allocated three hours to present its closing arguments, while each defense team has been allotted between 45 minutes and two hours.

The hearings will begin at 9:30 a.m. and may continue until 5:15 p.m., according to the website of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.

The defendants in this case are Hashim Thaçi and four other former members of the so-called KLA - Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi.

According to the indictment, between April 12 and November 2, 2023, during separate, non-privileged visits at the detention facility, Hashim Thaçi provided Smakaj, Kilaj, Fazliu and Kuçi with confidential information about prosecution witnesses in a separate case against Thaçi, in which he is charged with war crimes. He allegedly instructed them to influence the testimony of prosecution witnesses and gave them detailed instructions on how to do so.

Thaçi faces three counts of attempting to obstruct an official in the performance of official duties by participating in the joint activities of a group, four counts of violating the confidentiality of proceedings, and four counts of contempt of court.

Smakaj, Fazliu and Kilaj are charged with attempting to obstruct officials in the performance of their duties and with contempt of court, while Kuçi faces a charge of contempt of court.

In a separate case, Thaçi is on trial alongside three other former KLA leaders - Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi - for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The verdict is scheduled to be delivered on September 16.

The so-called KLA, which Serbia classifies as a terrorist organization, committed numerous crimes, killings and kidnappings during 1998 and 1999 against members of the military and police forces of the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Serbs and other non-Albanians, as well as Albanians who refused to become its supporters or members.