"He did not request release due to his brother's illness...", in addition to Veseli, Krasniqi and Selimi also requested temporary release

In addition to Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi have also requested temporary release from detention in The Hague. For the latter, his defense even mentioned that he had not made such requests even when he had needed them, such as in the case of his brother's illness, the marriage of his two children, and the birth of two grandchildren.

Krasniqi's defense, requesting temporary release for his client, says that the prolonged deprivation of liberty is a heavy burden against continued detention, especially since there is still no conviction and he is presumed innocent.

According to the defense, continuing Krasniqi's detention under these current conditions could be perceived as a preliminary conviction that goes against the presumption of innocence and would harm the rights that form the foundation of a fair trial.

They say that there is no concrete or credible way that Krasniqi could influence witnesses after the SPO closed the evidence, as the prosecution claims.

As a result, the defense calls such arguments speculative and without any factual basis.

The defense says Krasniqi's presence in Kosovo would improve the defense's ability to receive instructions and conduct investigations necessary to prepare for its case.

Krasniqi's representatives are also requesting a humane review of this request, also based on his age. Meanwhile, several other aspects that the defense has mentioned are redacted for the public.

In fact, one family circumstance that the defense mentions during the length of Krasniqi's deprivation of liberty is the birth of his two granddaughters.

“Two granddaughters have been born since the beginning of his detention. Mr. Krasniqi now seeks to return to his family with dignity and spend meaningful time with his growing family – an incentive that only strengthens his motivation to comply with any conditions that the Panel may impose,” states the request for Jakup Krasniqi’s release.

In addition, the defense cited the judges' consistent findings that there is insufficient information to support the SPS's arguments that Krasniqi could flee from justice. The defense further argues that this risk is further reduced by Krasniqi's advanced age and strong personal and family ties in Kosovo.

According to the defense, Krasniqi had not requested release due to his brother's illness, nor when his two children got married, nor when his grandchildren were born.

As a result, Krasniqi is now seeking temporary release to return to his family and assume family responsibilities with dignity.

In addition, the defense argues that since the Prosecution has closed its case, the argument that Krasniqi can influence witnesses does not stand since there are none who could be subject to interference.

Meanwhile, he called the Prosecution's claim that witnesses who have already given testimony could withdraw or change it speculative.

As its argument to support Krasniqi's temporary release, the defense has also mentioned the respect of the conditions of temporary release for its client in the fall of 2024.

In addition, Krasniqi's Defense says that the Kosovo Police has confirmed its readiness and capacity to monitor and implement any conditions imposed by the court.

“The proceedings are now entering a new phase, where the Defence will be actively engaged in the preparation of its case. The majority of the investigative and preparatory work should take place outside The Hague, in particular in Kosovo. The proportionality assessment should take into account Mr Krasniqi’s right to adequate conditions to prepare his defence. In order to ensure his full and meaningful participation in this phase of the proceedings, it is essential that he be allowed to return to Kosovo under appropriate conditions,” the request states.

Veseli's defense: ZPS is relying on old accusations and speculation, he should be temporarily released

In his response submitted on April 22, 2025, to the Prosecution's objection to provisional release in Kosovo, Veseli states that the Prosecution has failed to show that there are still real risks under Article 41 (6) regarding the accused in these proceedings.

According to Veseli's defense, the Prosecution's response relies on old accusations and general speculation to justify the continued detention of its client.

They say that the Prosecution is continuously trying, but unsuccessfully, to argue that the trial panel should reconsider its findings regarding Veseli's flight risk. And as a result, according to them, the Prosecution is also failing to raise reasonable concerns regarding Veseli's provisional release.

In its response, the defense says that the request for Veseli's release should be approved.

According to the defense, there have never been any allegations that Veseli was involved in influencing any witnesses, nor that he abused his positions in Kosovo to influence them as the Prosecution suggests he might.

The defense argues that the Prosecution's case is now closed and any risk of witness tampering is significantly lower if not completely eliminated.

However, they say that these can be sufficiently managed through the conditions of temporary release that can be imposed on the accused.

The defense argued that the Kosovo Police is capable of monitoring the conditions set by the court in the event of release and that the professionalization of this judicial body has also been confirmed by the European Commission.

This defense argument came after it was said that the Prosecution had raised concerns regarding the Kosovo Police and its capacities to manage temporary release.

“The Prosecution expresses concern about the lack of information regarding the ability of the Police to detect coded messages. The Defense reaffirms that it has never been suggested that Mr. Veseli used coded messages. Furthermore, the closure of the Prosecution’s case makes this risk even more remote and speculative,” the defense response states.

Selim's Defense: The Prosecution is starting from the premise that our motions may be unsuccessful

Similar to Veseli's defense, Selim's also speaks of the risk of her client fleeing, for which the Court had concluded that there was insufficient information to emphasize such a thing.

According to the defense, the Prosecution argues that the upcoming process related to the defense's motions to dismiss the charges requires the judges to review this finding regarding the risk of flight.

Selim's defense says that this argument by the Prosecution starts from the premise that the defense motions will be unsuccessful, therefore they are asking the judges to somehow anticipate this process ahead of time.

The defense says the Prosecution's motion to review the findings regarding Selim's flight risk should be denied.

They say the proposed conditions for temporary release are sufficient to address any risk and that Selimi could also be invited to go to the detention facility shortly before deciding on defense motions.

According to the defense's response, the Prosecution argued that obstruction of proceedings in this case could occur at any stage of the trial, even when the evidence of the Victims' Advocate and the defense is presented. However, the defense says that there is no evidence that Selimi could have engaged in such actions.

As a result, the defense requests temporary release for Selimi.

The Specialized Prosecutor's Office, on September 30, 2022, submitted the confirmed amended indictment against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selim, which consists of ten counts, charging the latter with war crimes and crimes against humanity.

On April 29, 2022, the Specialized Prosecutor's Office submitted an amended indictment against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selim and Jakup Krasniqi, alleging that the four defendants also committed war crimes in Gjilan, Budakovë and Semetishte.

On November 9, 2020, in their first appearances, Jakup Krasniqi and Hashim Thaçi pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Veseli also pleaded not guilty 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. /Oath of Justice/