Qerkini: The defense will seek to convince the court that Thaçi was not part of a joint criminal enterprise

Lawyer Artan Qerkini told Kosovo Online that the defense of Hashim Thaçi has summoned nine witnesses through whom it will seek to convince the court that Thaçi was not part of any joint criminal enterprise.

Tomorrow, before the Specialist Court in The Hague, the presentation of defense evidence will begin in the case against Hashim Thaçi and co-defendants Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi, former KLA leaders. Qerkini explained that, according to the rules of procedure and evidence, once the Prosecution has completed its case, the defense then has the opportunity to present its theory of the case through its own witnesses.

“That is exactly what Mr. Thaçi’s defense has done. It has called nine witnesses through whom it seeks to convince the court that Mr. Thaçi was not part of any joint criminal enterprise,” said Qerkini.

According to the indictment, the four former KLA leaders are charged on the basis of individual criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity—including persecution, imprisonment, other inhumane acts, torture, murder, and enforced disappearance of persons. They are also charged with war crimes: unlawful and arbitrary detention and imprisonment, cruel treatment, torture, and murder.