Just one day after convicting Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi , the Special Court has also initiated the procedure for compensation to the victims of the crimes for which they were found guilty.
The Trial Panel has decided that compensation claims should not go through Kosovo's civil courts, but rather be reviewed by the Specialist Chambers themselves. According to the court, this is the most effective way to protect victims and guarantee their anonymity.
The decision states that sending victims to Kosovo courts could undermine the protective measures they were guaranteed during the process, so the Specialist Chambers consider themselves the most appropriate forum to decide on compensation.
However, the procedure is not yet closed. Defense attorneys have until September 22 to object to this decision. If no objections are filed, the Court will continue with the phase of reviewing the claims for compensation.
Deadlines for presenting evidence have also been set. Victims' Protection must notify by September 22 of any changes to the evidence it will present, while expert reports and other evidence must be submitted by October 7.