The defense of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has asked the Kosovo Specialist Chambers to release him on bail, offering a series of guarantees, including a financial guarantee of 50,000 euros.
According to the Special Court's announcement, Thaçi's lawyers have argued that the proposed conditions are similar to those accepted for Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi in the "obstruction of justice" case, who were released on bail last year.
In the submitted request, the defense guarantees that Thaçi will not leave the territory of Kosovo and that he will surrender his passport and any other travel documents. He will declare the address where he will reside throughout the proceedings and will not change his residence without the prior approval of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office.
Thaçi has also expressed his willingness to offer a financial guarantee of 50 thousand euros.
Another pledge is that he will have no contact with the co-accused in the obstruction of justice case – Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi – and will not communicate with witnesses or suspects in other cases being handled by the Special Court.
According to the request, Thaçi will not discuss the content of his case with anyone except his defense team. This prohibition will also apply to members of his family, and he will inform all persons who contact him that he is obliged to respect this restriction imposed by the Court.
The defense has also guaranteed that, if released on parole, Thaçi will not make public statements, directly or indirectly, in the media or on social networks regarding the case.
Among the proposed conditions is weekly reporting to the Kosovo Police for verification, as well as a pledge that he will voluntarily return to detention if ordered by the Court and will participate in any hearing or procedure requested by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office.