At the preparatory conference for the defense in the case “Thaçi and others,” former President Hashim Thaçi’s lawyer, Pierre-Richard Prosper, stated that a broad list of witnesses will be used in the defense process at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
Considering that at this stage of the trial, evidence can also be accepted in written form, Prosper revealed that former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, diplomat Richard Holbrooke, and Senator Bob Dole are among the international figures who will testify.
He said that the information is exculpatory and directly related to the prosecution’s case.
“We have had continuous communication; they said they are handling the request. They are very informed, well-informed regarding the minutes, some clarifications, and the matter of these witnesses. So, as you can see, we have a broad list of witnesses. I cannot give their names publicly, but these are people of high stature, meaning well-known figures, such as Secretary Albright, Richard Holbrooke, Senator Dole… The information we have is exculpatory, and for this reason, it is important to place it in context. It is exculpatory information and is directly related to the prosecution’s case,” said Pierre-Richard Prosper.
In addition, during the preparatory conference held today at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague, Hashim Thaçi’s defense team, represented by lawyer Luka Mishetiq, stated that they aim to complete the presentation of their witnesses by the end of November.
“We propose that by the end of November we will finish all testimonies. Then, we should be given a little time afterward, similarly, as the Prosecution may have motions we have not yet submitted and need to be addressed, we may have motions regarding inadmissible evidence, especially for documents that will not be admitted through witnesses, and then we will close our presentation of evidence just like the prosecution,” said Mishetiq.
Meanwhile, the defense of Jakup Krasniqi, represented by lawyer Aiden Ellis, stated that they need one week to present their evidence, excluding the time needed for cross-examinations.
“As for the timeframe for our evidence, I am speaking without taking cross-examinations into account, but for the two witnesses under Rule 154 that we will have, I think we need one week, no more,” said Ellis.
He added that it is still unclear when the presentation of evidence by Krasniqi’s defense will conclude, as this will depend on the completion of the presentation of evidence by Hashim Thaçi’s defense.
The official start date for the presentation of evidence by the defense in the case against former KLA leaders was confirmed during the procedural status conference held on Monday.
The presiding judge, Charles Smith III, announced orally that this stage of the trial is expected to begin on September 15, 2025.
Meanwhile, the defenses of Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi have waived their right to present evidence in this case.
On August 18, 2025, at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague, a decision was made to impose restrictions on Hashim Thaçi’s visits for 11 individuals in the case concerning obstruction of justice.
Although the Prosecution requested that visits be banned for Thaçi’s three brothers, the request was approved for 11 other individuals. Visits were prohibited for Artan Behrami, Blerim Shala, Ismail Syla, Vllaznim Kryeziu, Milaim Ahmetaj, Milaim Cakiqi, Avni Kastrati, and four other persons whose names were redacted similarly to Thaçi’s brothers.
“The Pre-Trial Judge emphasizes that the restrictions approved in this decision are limited only to non-privileged visits by Thaçi at the detention facility of the Specialist Chambers from: Artan Behrami, Blerim Shala, Ismail Syla, Vllaznim Kryeziu, [REDACTED], [REDACTED], Milaim Ahmetaj, Milaim Cakiqi, Avni Kastrati, [REDACTED], and [REDACTED]. These restrictions will take effect immediately after Thaçi is notified of this decision,” the decision states.
The decision was issued on August 18, 2025, by Pre-Trial Judge Marjorie Masselot.
