The Special Prosecution completes the presentation of evidence against Thaçi and the 3 former KLA leaders!

The Specialized Prosecutor's Office (SPO) has concluded its presentation of evidence in the trial against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selim and Jakup Krasniqi .

The trial began on April 3, 2023.

In the process of presenting its evidence, the SPO called 125 witnesses to give evidence directly in the courtroom.

The SPO presented approximately 3,000 pieces of material evidence in multiple languages.

And the SPO has made 1,430 submissions regarding this court case to date.

Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi are accused of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including the murder of more than 100 victims as well as the unlawful detention and torture of hundreds of victims.

According to the indictment, the crimes were committed against hundreds of civilians and individuals who were not participants in the fighting in a period from at least March 1998 to September 1999 in multiple locations throughout Kosovo and northern Albania. More than 150 victims are participating in this trial and are represented by the Victims' Advocate.

Specialist Prosecutor Kimberly West praised the courage of the victims and witnesses who testified in this trial over the past two years.

“The willingness of the witnesses to testify was extremely important and I applaud their courage in giving evidence in the courtroom,” said the Specialist Prosecutor.

The Specialist Prosecutor also expressed gratitude to all those who made it possible for the SPO to present its evidence.

“We must always confront crimes like murder and torture,” Ms. West continued.

“It is essential for Kosovo that the rule of law and due process in the courtroom are respected in order to preserve the integrity and impartiality of the proceedings and to find the truth.”