Following the announcement by the Specialist Chambers that closing statements in the trial against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi—who have been in detention in The Hague for more than five years—will take place from 9 to 18 February, the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) once again emphasizes the need for this process, marked by serious problems, to conclude with justice.

In a statement, the party says that the proceedings have been characterized by unnecessary delays, procedural ambiguities, and decisions that have continuously raised concerns about judicial standards and the respect for fundamental human rights. According to PDK, these circumstances have undermined the perception of equal justice and have unjustly burdened the liberators and former leaders of the country, who have already spent a prolonged period in pretrial detention.

The party once led by Thaçi and Veseli assesses that, at this final stage, it is essential for the trial to focus exclusively on impartial justice, facts, and evidence, distancing itself from any political, interpretative, or speculative approaches that have accompanied the process over the past five years.

According to PDK, key witnesses in the trial have clearly refuted the main allegations of the indictment, dismissing any doubts regarding individual, collective, or command responsibility. “These testimonies have significantly contributed to clarifying the factual circumstances and have undermined the basis of the prosecution’s charges,” the statement reads.

The party pledges that it “remains committed to the rule of law, peace, and justice, believing that only a fair and professional verdict can contribute to closing this important chapter for Kosovo, international justice, and the future of our region.”