Thaçi et al. trial: Panel’s oral order on publicity of proceedings

During the hearing today (17 May), the Panel in the Thaçi et al  case expressed its concern that almost all of the evidence until now has been heard in private or closed session and reminded the parties, inter alia, that, pursuant to Article 21(2) of the Law, the accused are entitled to a fair and public hearing and that there is public interest in these proceedings taking place, to the extent possible, in a public fashion. The Panel also reminded that the order on conduct of proceedings stated that the parties and participants respect the public character of the proceedings. Subsequently, the Panel issued an oral order seeking submissions from the parties, by 31 May, regarding concrete steps that could be taken by the parties and the panel to ensure greater degree of publicity of these proceedings. In the meantime, the Panel instructed the parties to duly take into account the principle of publicity when requesting that parts of witnesses’ testimony be heard in private or closed session.