Live update

The start of the hearing in the Thaçi et al. case this morning, 12 February, is further delayed and is now set to begin at 11:00 (or at 11:45 via the delayed feed online).

Please be informed that the start of the hearing in the Thaçi et al. case this morning, 12 February, will be delayed and is expected to commence at 10:00 (or at 10:45 via the delayed feed online).

The testimony of the SPO’s 121st witness Sylejman Selimi resumed this morning.

Following the completion of the testimony of the witness W00542, the SPO called Sylejman Selimi as its next witness today.  A counsel has been appointed to assist the witness, ensuring he can seek guidance regarding any potential self-incrimination issues. In response to a request from the witness, the Panel, in accordance with Rule 151, assured the witness that his evidence would not be used against him in any subsequent prosecution before the KSC. When asked by the Panel, Selimi indicated his preference for his testimony to be conducted in an open session.

New SPO witness is W00542, whose testimony is conducted via video-link. As per SPO summary in court, this witness and his relative were in June 1999 abducted by armed men wearing uniforms with KLA insignia and taken to a detention location, where they were both interrogated and mistreated.

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

Another KSC weekly press briefing will take place on Thursday, 6 February, 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.

Today, 4 February 2025, the Trial Panel in the Sabit Januzi, Ismet Bahtijari and Haxhi Shala case approved the plea agreements reached between the SPO and the three accused in this case. In line with the agreements, the Panel also imposed sentences: Haxhi Shala was sentenced to 3 years while Januzi and Bahtijari were each sentenced to 2 years. More information can be found in the Press Release.

Please be informed that the streaming of the decision on the plea agreements, scheduled to commence at 14:30 this afternoon, will be broadcast with a delay of 45 minutes. Click here to watch the live stream in English.

In its decision made public today, 31 January, the Trial Panel in the Januzi et al. case has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, 4 February, at 14:30, to rule on the plea agreements made between the SPO and the three accused last year. The decision further indicates that, following a report from the KSC Victims’ Participation Office from 20 January and the subsequent responses from the parties, the Panel admitted one individual as a participating victim in the case. Given the need to ensure the expeditious resolution of these proceedings and the limited mental harm suffered by this victim, the Panel determined that the appointment of a Victims’ Counsel is unnecessary. Nonetheless, in accordance with Article 22(7) of the Law, the Panel will still address potential reparations for the victim. Consequently, the parties are requested to submit revised versions of their plea agreements, including proposals for reparations to be granted to the victim, by no later than Monday, 3 February 2025, at 16:00.

More details are available in the Panel’s decision.