Hashim Thaçi: Prosecutors seek six-year sentence for obstruction of justice

Hashim Thaçi Specialist Prosecutor's Office obstruction of justice Kosovo war crimes trial witness tampering

The Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) in The Hague has delivered its closing arguments in the obstruction of justice case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and four associates. Prosecutors have requested a six-year prison sentence for Thaçi, alleging that he used prison visits to influence witnesses and protect himself from prosecution for war crimes.

Lead prosecutor Kimberly West and prosecutor Joshua Hafetz argued that Thaçi formed small groups with co-defendants to target witnesses and provide instructions on how to testify. The prosecution presented 28 hours of audio recordings, which they claim show Thaçi whispering instructions to co-defendants to ensure witnesses denied his involvement in KLA abuses.

For the co-defendants, the prosecution requested varying sentences: three years each for Isni Kilaj, Bashkim Smakaj, and Fadil Fazliu, and nine months for Hajredin Kuçi. All five defendants have declared themselves innocent of the charges.

Entities

Albin Kurti · Albulena Haxhiu · Aleanca për Ardhmërinë e Kosovës · Alliance for the Future of Kosovo · Assembly of Kosovo · Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo · Bekim Sejdiu · Constitutional Court of Kosovo · Democratic Institute for Kosovo · Democratic Institute of Kosovo · Democratic League of Kosovo · Democratic Party of Kosovo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] The KDI has called on deputies and authorized parties to seek a legal interpretation regarding the consequences of exceeding the 30-day deadline. gazetashneta.net
[● 4 SOURCES] The KDI states that the constitution of the Assembly is necessary for the normal functioning of democratic institutions. gazetashneta.net
[● 6 SOURCES] The Constitutional Court mandated that the Assembly must complete its constitutive session within 30 days. gazetashneta.net
[● 9 SOURCES] Aleanca has decided to boycott the constitutive session, citing constitutional violations. www.illyria.com
[● 5 SOURCES] PDK plans to propose Vlora Çitaku for the position of Deputy Speaker.
[● 9 SOURCES] PDK and LDK have confirmed their participation in the upcoming constitutive session of the Assembly.
[● 3 SOURCES] Albulena Haxhiu was elected as the Speaker of the Assembly. alsat.mk
[● 5 SOURCES] Albin Kurti stated that a political agreement has been reached but more votes are needed to elect a president. alsat.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] The Assembly session is being held after exceeding the 30-day constitutional deadline.
[● 3 SOURCES] Albin Kurti stated that a political agreement exists but requires sufficient votes for the President to avoid new elections.
[● 3 SOURCES] Albin Kurti expects bilateral relations between Kosovo and Switzerland to deepen during the new ambassador's mandate.
[● 2 SOURCES] The Swiss Parliament voted to extend the mandate of the Swisscoy contingent in Kosovo.