At the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, the first witness is being heard in the case against Hashim Thaci, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuci.

The witness, identified as witness number 7 in this trial and a staff member of the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO), began his testimony on Friday under protective measures.

In court, he stated that there had been several investigations into obstruction of justice, KosovaPress reports.

“We had several investigations into obstruction of justice. I did not know how many of these cases would actually materialize as obstruction cases. In the end, there were only three obstruction cases, and I cannot specify for you how many sources we had for case 10, 12, or 11. All of these were connected to case 06,” the witness said.

This answer was given during cross-examination by Hashim Thaci’s lawyer, Sophie Menegon. At the start of the session, she also asked the witness if he had read the prosecution’s and defense’s files and whether he had access to documents in this case.

Lawyer: “What knowledge do you have regarding case 12, since you are SPO staff? Can you first tell us if you have read the prosecution’s and defense’s files for case 12?”
Witness: “No.”
Lawyer: “Can you tell us if you have access to the documents of case 12?”
Witness: “Yes, I have access.”
Lawyer: “Since these two cases are connected, can you tell us if you also have access to the documents of case 6?”
Witness: “Yes, I have access to all documents.”
Lawyer: “Can you tell us what materials you read to prepare for your testimony, besides your own statements?”
Witness: “I read some documents related to witness protection, but I don’t remember anything specific,” replied witness 7.

At the request of lawyer Menegon, the session later continued in private.

In the public session, the first witness also stated that witnesses were regularly contacted by the SPO.

Lawyer: “Is it true that witnesses in case 6 were regularly contacted by the SPO to be updated on the progress of case 6?”
Witness: “Correct.”
Lawyer: “For example, the SPO intended to summon them?”
Witness: “Yes.”
Lawyer: “So they were contacted to be informed when the SPO trial would begin, when it was expected?”
Witness: “Correct,” he stated at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

During cross-examination by Thaci’s defense, the witness said that Rrustem Mustafa and Bislim Zyrapi were interviewed regarding the alleged interference in this case.

Lawyer: “Is it correct that Mr. Mustafa and Mr. Bislim Zyrapi were interviewed by the SPO regarding the alleged interference?”
Witness: “Yes, I am aware.”
Lawyer: “Were any other witnesses from case 6 formally interviewed, recorded with audio or video, regarding the interference claims?”
Witness: “I don’t recall,” the witness replied.

Hashim Thaci, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi are charged with obstruction of justice, to which they have pleaded not guilty. The defense lawyers have also contested these allegations, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence does not prove the criminal acts they are accused of.

Thaci and the others are accused of providing instructions and confidential information to witnesses regarding the war crimes trial during visits to The Hague in 2023.