The Special Court rejected Krasniqi's request for a temporary release

The Special Court in The Hague rejected the request of the former President of the Assembly of Kosovo and one of the leaders of the KLA, Jakup Krasniqi, for a two-week release, Dukagjini reports.

The defense of Jakup Krasniqi requested that he be released from custody for two weeks in order to spend some time with his family, but the Court rejected that request.

"The judicial panel rejected the request for temporary release on July 17, 2023, and ordered the extension of Krasniqi's detention. In its explanation, the Court emphasizes the fact that the trial, in this case, has begun, that the identities of sensitive witnesses have been disclosed to Krasniqi's defense, and that, therefore, any risk of further crimes should be avoided," Angela Griep, spokeswoman for the Kosovo Specialized Chambers in The Hague, told Dukagjini.

The trial of the leaders of the former KLA in The Hague began on April 3, and Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi are charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity, murder, persecution, and torture. They pleaded not guilty and have been in custody since 2020.