The final phase of the trial of former KLA leader Hashim Thaçi and others for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war in Kosovo has begun in The Hague.
Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) Prosecutor Kimberly West, during her closing arguments, made it clear that the SPO's request for sentencing is focused on specific individuals, not the general staff, requesting 45 years in prison for the four defendants.
"We are seeking the conviction of specific individuals, not the general staff. The SPO is seeking a conviction for all counts of the indictment and the imposition of a single sentence of 45 years, based on the individual contributions to the crimes committed by each of the defendants. These crimes are war crimes and crimes against humanity," she said.
West emphasized that despite the fear and stigmatization that witnesses and their families have faced, they have decided to seek justice.
"Despite the fear, stigma, and situations that witnesses and their families have faced from a limited but vocal group in Kosovo, these witnesses have so desperately wanted the truth to come out, that's why they have chosen to cooperate with my office and testify before this court," the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor has pointed out that over 100 people were killed and hundreds more were abused in around 50-plus KLA detention camps, including people associated with the LDK, the Roma and Serb communities.
"Witnesses and evidence show that these crimes were committed and that the accused bear legal responsibility for them," the Prosecutor added.
The prosecutor also emphasized that international witnesses and KLA members were heard, while the 7 defense witnesses had limited information about KLA activities and were unable to speak the same language at the time.
Closing statements are scheduled to be held during the period February 9-18, where the Prosecution will initially have the floor, to be followed by the defense teams of the accused, while at the end the accused are also expected to speak, if they decide to make a statement.
Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi are facing charges brought by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office, which they have described as unfounded. The defense has also rejected these charges and argued that the KLA did not have an organized command structure.
Their trial began on April 3, 2023 - almost three years after the indictment was confirmed, during which the former KLA leaders have been held in the detention center in The Hague.
You can follow the live session. HERE. /telegraph/
