Hashim Thaçi faces six-year prison request in obstruction of justice case

Hashim Thaçi Special Prosecutor's Office obstruction of justice Kosovo Specialised Chambers UÇK

The Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) at the Kosovo Specialised Chambers in The Hague has delivered its closing arguments in the obstruction of justice case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and four others.

Prosecutor Joshua Hafets and Lead Prosecutor Kimberly West requested a six-year prison sentence for Thaçi. The prosecution alleges that between April 2023 and November 2024, Thaçi used prison visits to form small groups with co-defendants to influence witness testimony regarding his ongoing war crimes trial. Prosecutors claim to have 28 hours of audio recordings showing Thaçi giving instructions, sometimes in whispers, to co-defendants on how to instruct witnesses to deny his involvement in KLA abuses.

For the co-defendants, the SPO requested three-year sentences for Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, and Fadil Fazliu, and a nine-month sentence for Hajredin Kuçi.

The defendants, including Thaçi, have pleaded not guilty. Defense attorney Sophie Menegon argued that the prosecution's claims are based on speculation rather than evidence and requested Thaçi's full acquittal and release.

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 · Bashkim Smakaj · Bekim Sejdiu · Constitutional Court of Kosovo · Democratic Institute for Kosovo · Democratic Institute of Kosovo · Democratic League 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.