Kosovo Specialist Chambers keep former KLA leaders in detention
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague ruled on Thursday to extend the detention of former KLA leaders Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi, who are standing trial alongside Hashim Thaçi on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Why is this important: The decision means three of Kosovo’s most prominent political figures will remain behind bars as the high-profile trial continues. Prosecutors argued that releasing them poses a risk of flight, potential intimidation of witnesses, and obstruction of justice.
Context: According to three separate rulings published on September 18, the Trial Panel — chaired by Judge Charles Smith III — concluded that while there is insufficient information to confirm the defendants would abscond if released, there is still a real risk that they could interfere with the proceedings or commit further crimes against perceived opponents of the KLA, including witnesses.
Defense witnesses began testifying on September 15, with former US Assistant Secretary of State James Rubin taking the stand first, followed by legal expert Paul Williams. Supporters of the accused staged a massive protest in The Hague on September 14, gathering participants from across Albanian-inhabited territories and the diaspora.
The KSC announced that November 14, 2025, has been set as the date for the close of the defense case, while closing submissions and victim impact statements are scheduled for December 22, 2025.
The defense had previously sought dismissal of certain charges under Rule 130, arguing that incidents before May 1998 and after June 20, 1999, should not be considered. Judge Smith rejected the motion, ruling that the panel lacks authority to strike out accusations based solely on timeframe objections.
Background: The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office filed its revised confirmed indictment against Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi, and Selimi in September 2022, containing ten counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. All four pleaded not guilty in their first appearances in late 2020.
Next steps: Proceedings will continue through the fall with remaining defense witnesses before closing arguments in December. A verdict is expected sometime in 2026.
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