The sentence of 6 years in prison was requested by the Specialized Prosecutor Joshua Hafetz while closing the arguments in The Hague in the trial against Hashim Thaçi for obstruction of justice.
For Hajredin Kuçi, the prosecutor requested 9 months of imprisonment and three years of imprisonment for the other three Fadil Fazliu, Isni Kilaj and Bashkim Smakaj.
JOSHUA HAFETZ, the prosecutor of the “Thaçi” case, stated “Based on the seriousness of the criminal offenses and the totality of the factors, the prosecution requests that you give a decision as requested, for Mr. Kuçi 9 months in prison, for Mr. Fazliu 3 years in prison, for Mr. Kilaj 3 years in prison, for Mr. Smakaj 3 years in prison and for Mr. Thaçi 6 years in prison, which he will serve following any other sentence that may be given to him in case 6, if given“.
The prosecutor claimed that their crimes have been proven beyond doubt, while earlier he said that there are 28 hours of audio recordings in custody that implicate Thaci.
“The charges that the Office of the Special Prosecutor has brought and proven beyond a reasonable doubt are crimes for a clear reason. The attempt to interfere and obstruct the judicial process before this court, here in The Hague, specifically because of the long past of intimidation and interference with witnesses in Kosovo, represents a threat to the fair and free administration of justice and to the integrity of all processes here.”
Meanwhile, Thaçi’s defense lawyer, Sophie Menegon, disputed Hafetz’s claims, saying that the Prosecutor is seeking his punishment because he has to cover up and justify the measures taken against the former president for months.
The lawyer stressed that the decision of the court should be based on evidence, not speculation. The evidence is weak, their accusations are weak, whether from the legal or factual side, and these justify Thaçi’s acquittal from all the charges brought forward” – underlined the lawyer Sophie Menegon.
