Live update

This morning, the protected witness W03871, the Prosecution’s 79th witness in court, continued the testimony that started yesterday.

The testimony of Steven Russell was completed today, after which the SPO called its next witness. This is protected witness W03871 who, as per the SPO's summary presented in court, joined the KLA around March 1998, served at multiple locations providing training to KLA soldiers and acting as a Commander.

The testimony of Steven Russell, the Prosecution’s 78th witness in court, resumed this morning. After being cross-examined by the Thaçi and Veseli Defence yesterday, the Selimi Defence is currently cross-examining the witness.

Steven Russell is the next witness for the Prosecution, whose testimony commenced this morning. As per the Panel's previous ruling, representatives from the US Government are accompanying the witness in the courtroom.

On 31 July 2024, President Trendafilova assigned Judge Michèle Picard, Judge Kai Ambos, and Judge Nina Jørgensen to the Court of Appeals Panel for a new determination of Mustafa’s sentence in accordance with the Decision on Mustafa’s Request for Protection of Legality, and to decide as necessary on any related matter.

On 29 July 2024, the Supreme Court Panel issued its decision on Salih Mustafa’s request for protection of legality. The Supreme Court Panel granted his request, in part, and annulled the appeal judgment insofar as it relates to Mr Mustafa’s sentence of 22 years of imprisonment.

The Panel returned the case back to the Appeals Panel in accordance with Rule 194(1)(b) of the Rules to consider reducing his sentence in light of the reasoning set out in the decision of the Supreme Court Panel. More details in the decision.

As announced in our Calendar, the summer court recess at the KSC begins on Monday, 29 July and ends on 16 August 2024. During this period, no hearings are held and some non-essential services are reduced to a minimum. However, the court remains fully functional during this period and work continues across all sections of the KSC. Filings are possible during the recess and, unless otherwise ordered by the judges, judicial deadlines continue running.

Court of Appeals Panel adopted the modalities for victim participation in appellate proceedings in the Pjetër Shala case. The Panel holds that it is in the interests of justice that a similar regime to the one in trial proceedings be applied during the appellate proceedings, with the necessary adjustments. More details in the decision issued on 24 July.

On 24 July 2024, a Court of the Appeals Panel granted in part a request by Shala Defence for an extension of the time limit for filing its notice of appeal against the trial judgment. The Panel authorised the Defence, as well as the SPO, to file their notices of appeal, if any, by 2 September 2024. More details in the decision.

Here is the transcript of today's KSC Weekly Press Briefing.