Thaçi et al: Panel’s oral orders regarding the expeditiousness of the case

Following up from the status conference in this case, held on 27 May, when the parties discussed the latest SPO’s notice regarding its witness list,  the Panel in the Thaçi et al. case issued a number of oral orders in court today.

Among other things, the Panel ordered the SPO to file a further notice about its witness list no later than 16 September 2024. Another status conference will then be scheduled to allow the parties to present their views on this matter.

Furthermore, the Panel ordered the SPO to submit a detailed plan (roadmap) by 21 June 2024 outlining how it intends to present its case by 1 April 2025. This plan, to be provided on an ex-parte basis to the Panel, should include information such as the list of witnesses, their order, and the time for the examination-of-chief for each witness. The Panel believes that such a roadmap should ensure that the case proceeds expeditiously.

The Defence is ordered to provide realistic estimates for cross-examinations within three working days of receiving information about the upcoming group of witnesses to be called by the SPO in the next three-week period. The Panel will review these estimates and, where necessary, impose time limits if there are inconsistencies between the Panel's estimates and those of the Defence.