Thaçi and Vesel's detention is continued for another two months

The Specialized Chambers of Kosovo, (DhSK) in The Hague, have decided to continue the measure of detention for another two months against Hashim Thaçi and Kadri Veseli, who are accused together with Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi of war crimes.

In the two decisions of December 13, 2024, it is said that the panel has come to the conclusion that there is not enough information to justify the suspicions that Thaçi and Veseli can escape. However, according to them, there is a risk that they can obstruct the proceedings and commit other crimes against those who are considered opponents of the KLA or even against witnesses.

According to the decision, the ZPS had argued that none of the risks can be managed better than in the detention facility, reports "Oath for Justice".

They have submitted that Veseli's behavior is so dangerous that even the restrictions and monitoring of communications in the detention facility are not enough to address them. The same is said in the decision about Thaçi.

"With reference to the previous finding of the Panel, the SPS argues that the detention of Mr. Veseli remains proportionate and reasonable, especially in the light of the progress of the procedures", it is stated in the decision for Veseli, the same is described in the one for Thaçi.

As a result, the panel also came to the conclusion that the continuation of the measure of detention for another two months against Thaçi and Vesel is reasonable.

"In light of the above developments, as well as the fact that there are still risks of obstructing proceedings and committing other crimes, which cannot be adequately managed with reasonable alternative measures, the Panel concludes that the detention of Mr. Veseli for a further period of two months is necessary and reasonable in the special circumstances of the case", says the decision for Veseli, as well as for Thaçi.

Otherwise, on September 30, 2022, the Office of the Specialized Prosecutor submitted the confirmed and amended indictment against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, 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.