Januzi et al. case: Pre-Trial Judge’s decisions on pre-trial briefs and severance request

On 27 August 2024, the Pre-Trial Judge in the case against Januzi et al. rejected the Bahtijari Defence's request for an extension of time to file its updated pre-trial brief. Judge Masselot found that the Defence did not demonstrate that the extension is warranted and reminded all Defence teams that they should submit their pre-trial briefs by September 2, as instructed in her previous decision.

In another ruling, Judge Masselot also rejected Haxhi Shala's request to sever the case against him from that against Januzi and Bahtijari and have a separate trial. In reaching her decision, the Judge noted that separate trials would inevitably increase judicial time and resources and would jeopardize the rights of the accused to be tried within a reasonable time.