The first witness in the "Thaci 2" case, who is a staff member of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office, is continuing his testimony under protective measures.
Hashim Thaçi's lawyer, Sophie Menegon, asked witness code 7 why protective measures were not imposed on him during Rrustem Mustafa's testimony in the case against former KLA leaders.
His testimony began on Friday, the same day the trial in this case began.
Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu and Hajredin Kuçi are present in the courtroom.
Lawyer: Rrustem Mustafa, he gave evidence in case 06 in July 2023, after an agreement for the acceptance of the fact between the parties, according to your statement P168, he did not have protective measures. Is that correct?
Witness: This morning I explained how the prosecutor decides regarding protective measures, whether the person is public and well-known, whether the person has previously testified in public hearings openly, in international courts, in the International Tribunal or international courts, for Mr. Mustafa, he has previously testified openly and is a very well-known person and a well-known figure in Kosovo", answered the first witness in this case.
Before the trial panel, Menegon also presented a document, stating that in 2018, Arianit Koci, in his capacity as Rrustem Mustafa's lawyer, had announced that he would be voluntarily interviewed by the prosecution.
Thaçi's lawyer requested that this document be registered as judicial evidence, which was opposed by the Prosecution.
Further, in the courtroom, the witness said that Mustafa was questioned in the capacity of a suspected witness.
The five accused of obstruction of justice have pleaded not guilty before the trial panel.
Defense attorneys have also disputed these claims, saying that the Prosecution's evidence does not prove the commission of the criminal offenses they are accused of.
Hashim Thaçi and others are accused of allegedly providing instructions and confidential information to witnesses for the war crimes trial during their 2023 visits to The Hague. /Telegraph/
