The Kosovo Special Court in The Hague has decided to limit non-privileged visits to former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who has been in custody since November 2020.
According to the decision issued on August 18, 2025 From the pre -trial judge, Marjorie Masselot, 11 individuals, including some persons close to Thaci, were forbidden to visit him at the detention facility of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
The decision specifies that the prohibition of non -privileged visits includes individuals such as Artan Behrami, Blerim Shala, Ismail Syla, Vllaznim Kryeziu, Milaim Ahmetaj, Milaim Cakiqi, Avni Kastrati, as well as four other people whose names are edited for confidentiality reasons.
These persons are said to have visited Thaci in custody between July 1 and October 7, 2023, and are said to be mentioned in the decision to confirm the charges against Thaci.
However, this decision allows Thaci to continue to have contacts with lawyers and his aiders, as privileged visits are not affected by the restrictions.
The court has also ordered that restrictions be reviewed every three months to assess whether they are still needed, given the developments in the litigation.
The reasons for the decision
The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office has argued that some of Thaci’s visitors, during previous visits, have been engaged in low -sound communications, which may have served to convey guidance to third parties, including witnesses to the case.
According to the prosecution, these actions pose a risk to the integrity of the litigation, especially at a time when Thaci faces an additional indictment for obstruction of justice.
This second indictment relates to suspicions that Thaci and other defendants may have attempted to influence witnesses to the main case, which includes charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity during and after the Kosovo war (1998-2000).
Thaci’s protection
Thaci’s defense, led by lawyer Sophie Menegon, has strongly opposed the decision, calling it unfair and in violation of Thaci’s fundamental rights of private and family life, guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights.
According to the defense, the restrictions are unnecessary and unfounded, arguing that the Prosecution has not provided enough evidence to justify the prohibition of visits. The defense has also announced that it will appeal the decision and require the removal of these measures.
Hashim Thaçi, along with other former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) such as Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, are being tried on serious charges, including murder, torture, disappearance and other alleged crimes during the Kosovo war.
