Former Kosovo president denies justice obstruction charges

January 7, 2025 - Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has pleaded not guilty to obstruction charges filed by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office last month.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers, based in The Hague, said Thaçi submitted his plea in writing after declining to respond verbally during procedural hearings. Prosecutors allege he tried to influence witnesses in an ongoing war crimes trial.

The indictment also names Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and former Justice Minister Hajredin Kuçi. They are accused of working with Thaçi to block officials and tamper evidence. Prosecutors claim Thaçi shared confidential details about witnesses and investigations, instructing others to interfere with testimony.

All four co-defendants have denied the charges.

Thaçi, who led Kosovo’s Liberation Army during the 1998-99 war, has been on trial since April 2023 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. He resigned as president in 2020 to face the charges but insists he is innocent.

Last month, he told the court he poses no political threat to Kosovo and urged it to respect the country’s laws.

The Specialist Chambers, established in 2015 under international pressure, investigates crimes linked to the Liberation Army during and after the war. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Thaçi remains in detention as legal proceedings continue.