Thaҫi et al. case: new decision on victims’ participation
On 18 December 2024, the Trial Panel in the Thaҫi et al. case granted a request of the Victims’ Counsel and allowed a close relative of a recently deceased victim to continue the action as a victim participating in the proceedings. As a result, the total number of participating victims in this case remains at 154.
Januzi et al. case: Bahtijari pleads guilty/decision next year
Having confirmed his comprehension of the plea agreement's terms and consequences, as outlined in Rule 94 of the Rules, Ismet Bahtijari was asked to enter his pleas regarding counts 2 and 3 of the indictment. He pleaded guilty to both counts today. The session then continued by addressing additional items outlined in the agenda and is now concluded.
The Trial Panel announced today that it will be able to make decisions regarding all plea agreements, including sentencing, only after receiving the report from the Victims’ Participation Office, which is expected by 20 January 2025 (we informed about yesterday), along with the parties' observations on the report, due by 27 January. The Panel clarified that any potential reparations must be addressed as part of the plea agreements, in accordance with Rule 94 (2)(c) of the Rules. Further instructions will be provided by the Panel after the winter recess.
Januzi et al. case: the break this afternoon (19 December) will last longer than announced
Please be informed that the current break (which started at around 15:15 live or at 16:00 in the delayed online stream) will last longer than announced. The trial is expected to resume at 16:15 (or at 17:00 in the online stream).
KSC Weekly Press Briefing on 19 December: transcript
Here is the transcript of today's KSC Weekly Press Briefing.
the archive of all previous press briefings is available on this page and the video files can be found on our youtube channel
Januzi et al. case: broadcast of Bahtijari's plea agreement hearing with 45 minutes delay
Please be informed that, same as yesterday, the streaming of the plea agreement hearing, scheduled to commence at 13:00 this afternoon, will be broadcast with a delay of 45 minutes. Click here to watch the live stream in English.
KSC Weekly Press Briefing on 19 December
Another KSC weekly press briefing will take place on Thursday, 19 December, at 14:30. During this briefing, the KSC Spokespersons will provide a short update on the latest developments in the judicial proceedings before the KSC, as well as on other public activities of the Court. Journalists will have the opportunity to ask questions. Pre-registration is required to attend each briefing. To pre-register, please send an email with name and affiliation to [email protected]. Deadline for pre-registration is every Thursday at 12:00. The Zoom details will be shared following pre-registration. Recordings of the update provided during the Weekly Press Briefings will be made available on the KSC YouTube Channel.
Januzi et al. case: H. Shala and Januzi plead guilty
The hearings concerning the plea agreements of Haxhi Shala and Sabit Januzi have now concluded. Both accused confirmed their comprehension of the plea agreement's terms and consequences, as outlined in Rule 94 of the Rules. Subsequently, Shala and Januzi were asked to enter their pleas regarding counts 2 and 3 of the indictment, to which they both pleaded guilty.
Regarding potential reparations in this case, the Panel issued an oral ruling ordering the KSC Victims’ Participation Office to submit a report by 20 January 2025, detailing all victim applications, if any.
As previously announced, the plea agreement hearing for Ismet Bahtijari is scheduled to begin tomorrow, 19 December, at 13:00. Meanwhile, the details of Bahtijari’s plea agreement have been made public, as mentioned in today’s press release. Additionally, the Albanian version of Januzi’s plea agreement is now available.
Januzi et al. case: update on Bahtijari’s plea agreement/hearing on 19 December
Having reviewed the new plea agreement between the SPO and Bahtijari’s Defence, the Panel issued an oral order in court today finding that it complies with the requirements of Rule 94 (2) of the Rules. Therefore, the Panel scheduled a hearing for Thursday, 19 December, at 13:00, to discuss Bahtijari’s new plea agreement with the SPO. The schedule for this hearing will follow the agenda specified in paragraph 20 of the last scheduling order for Januzi and H. Shala. The Registry was instructed to reclassify the plea agreement as public as soon as possible.
Januzi et al. case: broadcast of plea agreement hearing with 45 minutes delay
Please be informed that the streaming of the plea agreement hearing, scheduled to commence at 09:00 this morning, will be broadcast with a delay of 45 minutes. Click here to watch the live stream in English.
Thaçi et al. (administration of justice): Status Conference completed/no pleas by Thaçi and Smakaj
Today, 17 December 2024, the first status conference in the case against Thaçi, Smakaj, Kilaj, Fazliu, and Kuçi took place before Pre-Trial Judge Marjorie Masselot. In accordance with the scheduling order, the hearing provided an opportunity for the accused Thaçi and Smakaj to enter their pleas. Since they opted not to do so today, Judge Masselot reiterated her previous ruling in the scheduling order, inviting them to place their pleas, in written form, by 7 January 2025 at noon. Should this not be completed by the specified deadline, Judge Masselot will enter a plea of not guilty on their behalf on that same date.