FLASH
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The former Minister of Justice, Hajredin Kuçi, and the former mayor of Malisheva, Isni Kilaj, are appearing before the court today, who are accused of influencing the witnesses.
Together with them, the former president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, the former leader of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, Bashkim Smakaj and the veteran of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Fadil Fazliu, are accused.
The session for Kučin starts at 10:00, and for Kilaj at 13:00.
Yesterday, the former president of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, and the former leader of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, Bashkim Smakaj, did not declare about the indictment brought against them for influencing the witnesses. Meanwhile, the veteran of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Fadil Fazliu, has been declared innocent.
Hashim Thaçi was the first to appear before the Specialized Chambers in The Hague. During the session, Thaçi said that he will not testify, as he has not read the indictment in its entirety and that he needs to read it to understand it.
"I know that Kosovo is on the verge of general elections. But I am not part of the electoral race, I do not pose a danger to anyone. Therefore, I ask even today - I respect and believe in the Constitution and the laws of Kosovo - from everyone, wherever you are sitting, on which side or in whatever uniform you are in this hall, to respect the Constitution and the laws of Kosovo" , he emphasized.
After Thaçi's statement, the judge asked for a short break, as Thaçi's lawyer asked for time to give him instructions. After that, Thaçi explained that when he was first asked by the judge if he understood the charges against him, he did not understand the question well. The judge asked the parties to set a date for Thaçi's self-declaration.
The defense said that it is agreed that on January 7, 2025, Thaçi himself declares about the indictment. Judge Marjorie Masselot said she will issue a ruling on the matter later.
During the first appearance, which lasted almost 45 minutes, Thaçi emphasized that he, his family and the Kosovar society are waiting for the end of the process against him and said that he is waiting for justice.
Whereas, in his first appearance before the Specialized Chambers, Bashkim Smakaj, said that he wants to use the 30-day period to declare the charges against him. He emphasized that he made this decision after consulting with the lawyer, as he expects to receive additional materials for the case against him.
His lawyer asked for his release from detention and said that Smakaj is ready to give a guarantee of 5,000 euros for bail and hand over his passport. The defense argued that he is not a flight risk.
The prosecution said that if Smakaj were to be released on bail, he would be able to interfere with witnesses or commit other criminal acts. The judge, after a break in the session, stated that the arguments of the defense were not sufficient to change her assessment regarding Smakaj's detention. She said that her decision to detain Smakaj for two months stands.
The accused before the Specialized Chambers have a deadline of 30 days to declare about the charges brought against them.
The third hearing was the appearance of Fadil Fazli before the Court in The Hague. He said that he consulted his lawyer before the hearing and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
"I also talked with the lawyer an hour ago. But, I am innocent, I plead not guilty" , he said.
Even in the case against Fazli, the judge did not accept the arguments of the defense for his release from detention.
A new indictment was filed against former President Hashim Thaçi, former Minister of Justice, Hajredin Kuçi, former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency, Bashkim Smakaj, former mayor of Malisheva, Isni Kilaj, and Fadil Fazliu on November 29. which was made public on December 6.
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