Ex-KLA members appear today before Hague Court

English

Gazeta Express

18/12/2020 9:20

Today (18 December), the Initial Appearance of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) members Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj will take place in the courtroom of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague.

Head of the Association of the KLA Veterans, Hysni Gucati and his deputy Nasim Haradinaj were arrested on 25 September in Kosovo by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) and transferred to The Hague on 26 September, pursuant to an arrest warrant and transfer order issued by a Judge of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. They are indicted by the SPO with charges against the administration of justice, namely obstruction of official persons in performing official duties, intimidation of witnesses, retaliation and violation of secrecy of proceedings.

The charges contained in the confirmed indictment relate to a well-grounded suspicion that, between at least 7 and 25 September 2020, on the occasion of three press conferences and other broadcasted events, as well as through further dissemination, including by social media statements, Haradinaj and Gucati revealed, without authorisation, information protected under the law of the Specialist Chambers, including the identifying details of certain (potential) witnesses.

During an Initial Appearance the Pre-Trial Judge ensures that the rights of the Accused, including the right to legal representation, are respected, and that the Accused understands the charges against him or her. /GazetaExpress/