The spokesperson for the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSCC) in The Hague, Michael Doyle, has indicated that the letter from the acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, was responded to by the President of the Specialist Court, Ekaterina Trëndafilova.
As BetimipërDrejtësi reports, Doyle said that in her letter, Trëndafilova said that decisions in court cases - specifically on detentions - are made by the judges in the respective cases and not by her herself as the head of the DSK.
“A letter from Prime Minister Kurti was sent to the President in September 2022 and she responded to this letter. The President generally emphasized in her response that the KSC and the judges are independent in their work and that they are conducting trials according to the KSC legal framework and the highest human rights standards. She also emphasized that decisions regarding detentions are made by the competent judicial bodies in each judicial case, and not by the President,” Doyle said.
Otherwise, speaking about the trials in this Court, Doyle indicated that in the case against the former KLA leaders, the trial will continue on Monday from 14:00 PM to 17:00 PM, not counting the 45-minute delay in the broadcast.
According to Doyle, Hashim Thaçi's defense intends to call three more witnesses in this process. Meanwhile, on the afternoon of November 18, Wesley Clark, who is the last witness that this defense intends to call, is expected to begin his testimony.
He indicated that another hearing was added to this case on November 21, 2025, so that Clark could finish his testimony.
In addition, it is said that a decision was recently made on the defense's appeal that the Prosecution did not produce the defense materials in a timely manner. The request was rejected because the defense's claims were not proven.
“The Trial Panel noted that “full and timely compliance by the Prosecution with its obligation to produce materials is an important element and guarantee for the fairness of the process and equality between the parties, the SPO and the Defence”. The Trial Panel found that the SPO had not given the Defence detailed notice of certain materials and evidence in its possession and the judges reminded the SPO of the importance of including the materials in the notification under Rule 102 (3). At the same time, the Trial Panel found that the materials had been produced without delay and had not caused prejudice to the Defence, and dismissed the request”, he said.
Otherwise, the Specialized Chambers of Kosovo in The Hague, every Thursday, at 14:30, through the "Zoom" online platform, hold a weekly briefing where they provide updated information on the latest developments related to judicial procedures and activities in this court.
