Kosovo Liberation Army Witness Testifies About Kidnapping and Killing of Relative at Hashim Thaçi's Trial

A witness from the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVK) took the stand at the trial of Hashim Thaçi in The Hague, providing testimony about the OVK's alleged kidnapping and killing of the witness's close relative.

The witness, identified only as W02951, testified in a closed session at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office.

The Chambers and Prosecutor's Office, established through an international agreement, are tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other offenses committed in Kosovo between 1998 and 2000. The institutions are based in The Hague and staffed by international personnel, including judges, the Specialist Prosecutor, and the Registrar.

In addition to the testimony of W02951, the Prosecution called its 56th witness, W04850, who is expected to provide evidence about an individual arrested by the KLA in 1999 and has been missing since then. The testimony of Ramiz Qeriqi, the Prosecution's 55th witness and a former battalion Commander in the KLA's 121st Brigade, also continued during the proceedings.

Why this matters: The trial of Hashim Thaçi, the former President of Kosovo, and other high-ranking KLA members, sheds light on the alleged crimes committed during the Kosovo conflict. The testimony of witnesses, particularly those with direct knowledge of the events, plays a critical role in the pursuit of justice and accountability for the victims and their families.

The Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court (SCCC) recently issued a decision declaring a referral regarding the constitutional validity of the Legal Aid Regulations of the Specialist Chambers as inadmissible. Meanwhile, the Bahtijari Defence was granted a second extension to finalize and submit the required documents for the KSC legal aid request. As the trial progresses, the public can access the hearings, and accredited journalists are provided with a media room. The Chambers have also published an internship call for contributions, with a closing date of May 15, 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Witness from Kosovo Liberation Army testifies at Hashim Thaçi's trial in The Hague.
• Specialist Chambers investigating crimes committed in Kosovo between 1998-2000.
• Prosecution calls 56th and 55th witnesses to provide evidence on KLA arrests.
• SCCC declares referral on legal aid regulations as inadmissible, Bahtijari Defence granted extension.
• Specialist Chambers publish internship call with closing date of May 15, 2024.