A new trial has commenced for former leaders of the so-called Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)

The trial began with the prosecution delivering its opening statement, which provided a general overview of the case and a brief explanation of the evidence the prosecution intends to present.

Following the opening statement, the prosecutor will begin presenting evidence and call the first of their three witnesses.

Subsequent trial sessions in this case are scheduled to take place from March 2 to March 6, and the prosecution is expected to complete its witness examination by March 6.

The original indictment against the five accused was confirmed on November 29, 2024, and amended on April 16, 2025.

According to the confirmed indictment, between April 12 and November 2, 2023, during separate, non-privileged visits to the detention facility, Hashim Thaçi provided Smakaj, Kilaj, Fazliu, and Kuçi with confidential information about prosecution witnesses in a separate case against Thaçi concerning war crimes charges, instructed them to influence the witnesses’ testimony, and gave them detailed guidance on how to do so.

Following the confirmation of the indictment, on December 5 and 6, 2024, Isni Kilaj, Baskim Smakaj, and Fadil Fazliu were arrested and transferred to the Specialist Chambers detention unit.

Hashim Thaçi was served with an arrest warrant while in detention, while Hajredin Kuçi was issued a court summons for his first appearance.

Kilaj was released on bail on December 10, 2025, while Baskim Smakaj and Fadil Fazliu were released on bail on February 10 of this year.

Thaçi is charged with three counts of attempting to obstruct an official in the performance of their duties as part of joint criminal activity, four counts of breaching the confidentiality of proceedings, and four counts of contempt of court.

Fazliu, Smakaj, and Kilaj are each charged with one count of attempting to obstruct an official in the performance of their duties as part of joint criminal activity and one count of contempt of court.

Kuçi is charged with two counts of contempt of court.

All five have pleaded not guilty.

Thaçi has been in detention in The Hague since November 2020 and was charged with obstruction of justice in 2025.

In a separate proceeding, he is being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

In the trial on the war crimes indictment against Thaçi and three other former KLA leaders, the prosecution requested 45-year prison sentences for all four accused in its closing arguments.