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.
Thaçi et al. trial: testimony of Jan Kickert resumes
The Prosecution's witness Jan Kickert resumed his testimony this morning. After being cross-examined by the other Defence teams yesterday, Jakup Krasniqi's Defence began their cross-examination of this witness this morning.
Thaçi et al. trial: former Austrian diplomat begins testimony
The Prosecution called its next witness this morning (68th in court so far). This is Jan Kickert, who, according to the SPO’s summary read in court, was an Austrian diplomat in Belgrade during the relevant period and had contacts with the KLA leadership to involve them in the political process. In 1999, he served as the political advisor to UNMIK.
This witness is testifying without protective measures. Please note that facial and voice distortion protection measures were mistakenly applied at the beginning of this testimony, but this issue was quickly resolved.
Thaçi et al. trial: today’s hearing’s adjourned/regular hearing tomorrow (28 May)
Following the completion of the testimony of the SPO's witness W04305, the hearing this afternoon has adjourned. The trial will resume tomorrow morning with a new SPO witness, and the hearing will follow the regular schedule (09:00 - 16:30).
Thaçi et al. trial: next SPO witness testifies via video-link
The Prosecution in the Thaçi et al. trial called its next witness this afternoon, the 67th witness in court to date. This witness, with the pseudonym W04305, is testifying via video-link. As per the summary presented by the SPO in court, this witness is a Kosovo Albanian who was detained and mistreated by KLA members during the spring and summer of 1998.
The sitting schedule for this testimony has previously been altered as per the Panel’s decision. You can view that decision here.
Thaçi et al.: Scheduling for today (27 May)/no morning hearing
Please be informed that a status conference will start at 14:30 and will last until 16:00. Following that, from 16:30 to 19:30, the final regular hearing session will be held. Therefore, there will be no morning session.
The status conference has been scheduled at the request of Thaçi Defence during the hearing on 23 May, when they asked the panel to discuss the latest notice from the SPO regarding its witness list, which was filed on May 21.
Thaçi et al. trial adjourned for the week/resumes on 27 May
The trial in the Thaçi et al. case has adjourned for the day and the week. It will resume on Monday, 27 May, at 09:00.
P. Shala: Decision regarding accused’s visits and communication in detention
In its decision made public on 23 May, the Trial Panel in the Pjetër Shala case rejected the accused’s request for a judicial review of the latest decision by the Registrar regarding his visits and communication in the KSC Detention Facilities. Among other findings, the Panel found that the Registrar's decision to implement the new regime regarding the scheduling of the in-person and video visits to the accused was within her authority as well as necessary and not unreasonable.
More details can be found in the actual decision.
Thaçi et al. trial: witness W04230 continues testimony
This morning, the protected witness W04230, who is the 66th witness for the Prosecution in court, continued the testimony that began yesterday afternoon.
Thaçi et al. trial: next protected witness takes the stand
The Prosecution called its next witness this afternoon (66th in court so far). This is another protected witness with the pseudonym W04230, whose testimony is conducted viva voce, meaning it is a new testimony given orally in court without a prior witness statement.