PRISHTINA, Aug 6 /ATA/ – The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague have extended the pre-trial detention for former President Hashim Thaçi, as well as for Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj and Fadil Fazliu, according to a decision issued by Pre-Trial Judge Marjorie Masselot a day ago.
The judge ruled that “continued detention remains necessary and proportionate, particularly in Thaçi’s case, as the risk of obstruction of proceedings has not been eliminated, even as the prosecution’s case nears conclusion in the war crimes trial.”
Masselot noted that “suspicion still stands regarding Thaçi’s alleged involvement in the criminal offenses for which he has been charged.”
“Thaçi’s actions demonstrate persistent attempts to interfere with the KSC proceedings, even from within the Detention Centre, including by leveraging his influence over former KLA members loyal to him and individuals from his political circles, such as his co-accused,” the ruling states.
Thaçi’s defense lawyers, Sophie Menegon and Luka Mishetiq, did not submit a response to the prosecution’s request for extended detention.
It is worth noting that a second indictment was filed against Thaçi by the Special Court in December 2024, on charges of obstruction of justice.
/Kosovapress/u.sh/
