War Crimes Court is violating human rights of Kosovo President, says lawyer Koci

Gazeta Express

24/10/2020 14:35

Lawyer Arianit Koci said the Special Court in the Hague is violating basic human rights of Kosovo president Hashim Thaci, who decided to remain silent on the announced indictment filed against him six months ago. According to the Rules of Procedures and Evidence a pre-trial judge of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers has six months on whether to confirm or dismiss the indictment.  

On 24 April 2020, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) said in a statement that they have filed a ten-count Indictment with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) for the Court’s consideration, charging Thaci, and PDK leader Kadri Veseli, and others with a range of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Indictment alleges that Thaci, Veseli, and the other charged suspects are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders.

Lawyer Koci who is accredited before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, but does not represent Thaci, said the Hague based court is not showing “minimal respect” towards citizens of Kosovo and Thaci, by not giving any explanations on what has happened with the indictment filed on 24 April 2020. “The deadline on confirming or dismissing the indictment has expired on Friday, which was published while President was travelling towards Washington. Back then it was stated that the indictment was published because Hashim Thaci was trying to undo the Special Court,” Koci said.  He said that the way the Sepcial Court is acting is unjust adding that they are keeping hostage the entire nation. “On the other hand, this represents brutal violation of Mr. Thaci’s human rights,” Koci wrote on Facebook. He said that Kosovo citizens should be kept informed of what is happening with their President, adding that every delay will fade trust of citizens in this court.

The Specialist Prosecutor when issued the press statement on 24 June 2020 said that he has deemed it necessary to issue this public notice of charges because of repeated efforts by Thaci and Veseli to obstruct and undermine the work of the Chambers. Following the announcement of the indictment, Thaci was questioned by the Hague prosecutors in the Hague. /GazetaExpress/