On September 15, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will begin the defense phase of the trial against former President Hashim Thaçi and his co-accused. The first witness called by Thaçi's defense is expected to be heard at this session, which will begin at 09:00.
The hearing will be largely public and will be broadcast with a 45-minute delay in three languages – Albanian, Serbian and English – through the official website of the Specialist Chambers.
The indictment against Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selim, and Jakup Krasniqi was initially confirmed in 2020 and has been updated several times until 2023. According to the Court, the defendants face charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including: persecution, unlawful imprisonment, torture, unlawful killings, and enforced disappearance of persons, which are alleged to have occurred during 1998–1999 in Kosovo and northern Albania.
So far, a total of 127 witnesses have testified in the process: 125 called by the Prosecution and 2 by Victims' Protection. In addition, 137 written statements have been accepted as evidence.
The prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence on April 15, 2025, while the Victims' Protection concluded its presentation in July. According to the trial panel, the defense is expected to complete its presentation of evidence by November 14, 2025. Meanwhile, final files and victim impact statements must be submitted by December 22, 2025.
