Thaçi et al. (administration of justice): Smakaj’s request for stay of proceedings rejected

On 7 April 2025, the Pre-Trial Judge in the case against Thaçi et al. for charges related to the administration of justice issued a decision on Smakaj’s Defence application for a stay of proceedings. The Defence sought a stay, claiming that the SPO failed to disclose relevant information to the Pre-Trial Judge during the indictment confirmation process. Judge Marjorie Masselot rejected the Defence application, finding that the criteria for a permanent stay of proceedings had not been met. Specifically, Judge Masselot concluded, among other things, that the SPO did not violate its obligations by not including a specific witness interview in the material supporting the indictment, as this interview will be addressed at trial in light of the Parties’ arguments and evidence as a whole.