Hague: Hashim Thaçi's detention extended

(Patria) - The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague have decided to extend the detention of Hashim Thaçi for another two months in the case where he, along with Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi, are accused of war crimes.

The decision was made on June 11, 2025, by the presiding judge, Charles Smith III.

The prosecution argued that Thaçi still poses a flight risk because he is aware of the serious charges confirmed against him. They also support this argument with the fact that the prosecution's case is complete, and Thaçi now has full knowledge of the evidence against him.

The prosecution also argued that Thaçi will soon have sensitive information about witnesses and evidence presented to him by the victims' protection. Furthermore, the fact that Thaçi faces an obstruction of justice charge, according to the prosecution, increases his motive to flee.

According to Betimi for Justice, Thaçi's defense, represented by lawyer Luka Mišetić, stated that neither the pre-trial judge nor the trial judge has ever determined that there is a risk of Thaçi absconding.

Regarding this aspect, the trial panel stated that the prosecution repeatedly presents arguments that have been previously reviewed and rejected.

As for the prosecution's new argument that Thaçi will have sensitive information about the defense witnesses for the victims, the trial panel emphasized that this is not a convincing argument to support the claims that Thaçi is at risk of flight.

In the opinion of the panel, this argument could have been more appropriately examined in the obstruction of justice part.

Consequently, the panel stated that it does not have sufficient information to conclude that Thaçi may abscond at this stage of the proceedings.

Regarding obstruction of justice, the prosecution stated that Thaçi poses such a risk based on the general climate of interference against witnesses in Kosovo, reports klankosova.tv.

Additionally, the Prosecution emphasized that the conclusion of their case increases the risk of obstruction because the accused has full knowledge of the case, and witnesses may be exposed to danger.

"The SPO also emphasizes that sensitive information has been disclosed to the defense, including the accused, increasing the risk of public disclosure and harming witness protection in the event of an acquittal," the ruling states.

Hashim Thaçi has been in detention in The Hague since November 5, 2020, when he took office after resigning to face the charges from the Specialist Chambers for war crimes. As of today, June 16, 2025, he has been in detention for 4 years, 7 months, and 11 days.