Who are the 4 judges who will decide the fate of Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi and Selim in The Hague?

2026-09-14 14:13:13Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Who are the 4 judges who will decide the fate of Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi

On September 16, one of the most important processes that have taken place at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague is expected to close.

After more than 230 days of court hearings, the trial panel will announce the verdict against former President Hashim Thaçi, former Speaker of the Parliament Kadri Veseli, former Speaker of Parliament Jakup Krasniqi, and former MP Rexhep Selimi.

The four former KLA leaders are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, while throughout the process they have pleaded not guilty to all counts of the indictment.

The decision will be announced by a panel of four international judges. 3 main judges and 1 reserve. 

At the head of the panel is American Judge Charles Smith III, who also serves as the presiding judge of the trial.

Part of the panel is also German judge Christoph Barthe, who, together with his colleagues, reviewed the evidence and testimony presented during the trial.

The panel also includes Swiss judge Guénaël Mettraux. 

Irish referee Fergal Gaynor is also part of the judging panel but as a reserve referee.

The judges will decide whether Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi will be found guilty or not guilty of the charges brought by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office.

The verdict is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, bringing an end to the 234-day trial.



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