Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has pleaded not guilty to fresh charges of obstruction of justice at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Thaçi submitted a written plea on 6 January, refusing to address the court in a December hearing.
High-profile case
Thaçi is accused of working with four others—former Justice Minister Hajredin Kuçi, ex-intelligence chief Bashkim Smakaj, former Malisheva Mayor Isni Kilaj, and Fadil Fazliu—to influence witnesses in his ongoing war crimes trial.
Prosecutors say Thaçi shared confidential details about witnesses during detention visits, instructing his co-defendants to manipulate testimonies. He now faces three counts of obstruction, four of breaching confidentiality, and four of contempt of court.
War crimes convictions
The Specialist Chambers have already sentenced two former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) officials, Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj, for obstructing justice. In separate war crimes trials, ex-KLA commander Salih Mustafa was jailed for 22 years, and Pjetër Shala received 18 years for torture and murder.
Political tension
Thaçi has criticised the court, calling its timing politically driven. “I have no ambition for public office and pose no political threat,” he said in court.
The Specialist Chambers, based in The Hague but operating under Kosovo law, investigates alleged KLA crimes between 1998 and 2000.
With tensions high, the court plans to call three witnesses against Thaçi and his co-accused. All but Smakaj have entered not-guilty pleas.
