The United States of America, which has authorized Wesley Clark to testify in the trial of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selim, and Jakup Krasniqi, has requested measures provided for under Rule 107, specifically the authorizations of the information provider.
So, according to the decision of the trial panel, for the approval of these measures and allowing the defense to add Clark's testimony to the list of evidence, it is said that they were conditioned by the information provider, which is the institution where Clark previously worked. These measures were not opposed by the parties, reports "Oath for Justice".
Clark's testimony is limited to specific topics - such as his involvement in Kosovo in 1998 and 1999.
It will focus solely on his involvement and observations at the Rambouillet Conference, its aftermath, and the roles of the KLA.
He will also talk about Thaçi's role in the demilitarization of the KLA after the war, as well as the conversations and meetings he had with the now-defendant.
In addition, Clark will also speak about his knowledge of the structure and organization of the KLA, his observations on Thaçi's level of control over the KLA, and his impressions of the KLA chain of command.
Along these lines, Clark will also speak about acts of violence within Kosovo by Serbian forces and Kosovo Albanians, as well as his views on the ability of the KLA, its commanders, and Thaçi to prevent and control acts of violence.
As a first measure, it has been decided that cross-examinations will be limited to the main question as well as to issues related to the credibility of the witness.
As a second measure, it has been decided that the witness may refuse to answer questions that have confidential answers.
Also, as a third measure, it has been decided that representatives of the informant will be present during Clark's testimony.
Whereas, as a fourth measure, it was stated that the witness was not authorized to testify on any matter other than what was stated above.
The trial panel had stated that if the witness refuses to testify on grounds of confidentiality, the trial panel, based on Rule 107, cannot compel him or her to testify or order the admission of additional evidence beyond the authorization of the information provider.
The panel considered Clark's statement relevant, stating that it could assist them in establishing the relevant facts and circumstances in this case. Consequently, it accepted the imposition of these measures except for the fourth.
As for the fourth measure, the panel said that Thaçi's defense may not be sufficiently informed to identify questions where the interests of the information provider may be affected. However, according to them, the presence in the courtroom of representatives of the information provider will help to address these issues. Consequently, it was decided that the fourth measure is also necessary and was approved.
Meanwhile, on April 15, 2025, the Prosecution announced that it had completed presenting evidence in this case.
Meanwhile, the defense had filed a motion under Rule 130, which provides for the request to dismiss any or all charges in the indictment. The decision on this motion was made on July 16, 2025. According to the presiding judge, Charles Smith III, what the defense had requested was to disallow allegations of war crimes related to incidents that occurred before May 1998 and after June 20, 1999.
"The trial panel notes that the incidents and events that occurred at the time contested by the defense are not charges within the meaning of Rule 130," said presiding judge Charles Smith III.
As a result, this motion was dismissed on the grounds that the trial panel does not have the authority to dismiss material constituting the charges relating to temporal causes. Meanwhile, on the same day, the victims' defense presented its evidence by calling two expert witnesses to testify simultaneously.
In addition to testifying on July 16, 2025, the testimony of these two witnesses continued on July 17, 2025, thus completing the taking of testimony from victim defense witnesses.
The Office of the Specialized Prosecutor, on September 30, 2022, submitted the confirmed amended indictment against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selim, which consists of ten counts, where the latter are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On April 29, 2022, the Office of the Specialized Prosecutor submitted an amended indictment against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selim and Jakup Krasniqi, where it is claimed that the four accused have also committed war crimes in Gjilan, Budakovo and Semetishte.
On November 9, 2020, in their first appearances, Jakup Krasniqi and Hashim Thaçi pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Veseli stated the same in his appearance on November 10, as did Rexhep Selimi on November 11.
The indictment against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi was confirmed on October 26, 2020.
