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Kosovo court cancels August hearings and extends pre‑trial detention for former president Hashim Thaçi
The Kosovo Special Court issued its third order on the criminal case against former president Hashim Thaçi and co‑defendants for offenses against the administration of justice. The order cancelled the hearings scheduled for 17‑19 August 2026 after the defence withdrew its evidence, and set new procedural deadlines: final filing of case files by 24 August, submission of counter‑responses by 4 September, and hearings on the closing arguments on 10, 11 and 14 September.
In a separate decision, the same court extended Thaçi’s pre‑trial detention, stating that while he does not pose a flight risk, there remains a real risk he could obstruct the proceedings or commit further offences. Judge Christopher Gosnell cited Thaçi’s strong family and social ties in Kosovo, his voluntary appearance before the International Court of Justice in 2020, and a €50,000 financial guarantee provided by his relatives as factors mitigating flight risk but insufficient to lift detention.
Entities
Christopher Gosnell · Hashim Thaçi · Kosovo · Smaka · Special Court of Kosovo · Specialized Prosecutor's Office
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Subsequent deadlines are 4 September 2026 for counter‑responses and hearings on 10, 11 and 14 September 2026 for closing arguments. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] If no motion is submitted, the evidence administration phase will be considered closed and the case will move to the final phase. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Special Court of Kosovo issued a third order setting dates in the case against Hashim Thaçi and others. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The final filing deadline is set for 24 August 2026, 16:00. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The court cancelled the sessions scheduled for 17, 18 and 19 August 2026. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The defence of Smaka submitted a notice on 30 July 2026 stating it would not present evidence at this stage. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The judge ordered the Specialized Prosecutor's Office to submit a motion by 4 August 2026, 12:00, if it intends to present counter‑evidence. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The sole judge annulled the previously scheduled August sessions and earlier deadlines. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com