The Hague Extends Pre‑Trial Detention of Former OVK Leader Hasim Taci

The Specialized Chamber in The Hague has extended the pre‑trial detention of former OVK terrorist group leader Hasim Taci. He is on trial for obstruction of justice and attempts to influence witnesses in a separate war‑crimes case. The judge said there remains a risk that Taci could interfere with the proceedings or commit new offences.

Four other former OVK members – Basim Smakaj, Isni Kiljaj, Fadil Fazliju and Hajredin Kuci – are also charged with providing Taci with confidential information about prosecution witnesses and receiving instructions to tamper with their testimony. Taci faces three counts of attempted obstruction of an official, four counts of breach of procedural secrecy and four counts of contempt of court.

A separate trial involving Taci and three additional former OVK leaders – Kadrija Veseljija, Redžep Seljimi and Jakup Krasnićija – concerns war crimes and crimes against humanity, with a verdict scheduled for 16 September. The OVK carried out numerous killings and kidnappings in 1998‑99 against Yugoslav army and police personnel, Serbs, non‑Albanians and Albanians who refused to cooperate.