Reflecting on the Specialist Chambers’ Mandate and Work KSC Spokesperson Angela Griep explains the process and reasoning behind detention before or during trial.

Reflecting on the Specialist Chambers’ Mandate and Work In this video, KSC Spokesperson Angela Griep explains why the Kosovo Specialist Chambers does not address all crimes committed during the conflict.

Judges of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers carefully balance the public nature of the proceedings with the safety and security of witnesses.

Reflecting on the Specialist Chambers’ Mandate and Work This video is the introduction to the series, “Reflecting on the Specialist Chambers’ Mandate and work,” initiated by Specialist Chambers President Ekaterina Trendafilova.

The Ombudsperson of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers has launched his X account. You can follow here:

Video of the KSC Press Briefing on 04/06/2026: #KosovoSpecialistChambers youtu.be/UocC9ADGscE?si=I_t9… via @YouTube

There are two ongoing trials before the KSC involving 8 accused. Four accused are in detention and four accused are living in Kosovo. Pre-trial detention is regularly reviewed by Judges, at least every two months, in a process where the Defence and the Prosecution can make submissions, and where the Judges must assess whether detention remains necessary and reasonable to address an identified risk. These decisions are public and can be appealed to an independent panel of Appeals Judges. In a number of cases, this process has led to a decision to end pre-trial detention.

Obstructing criminal proceedings is a crime under Kosovo law and the Law on Specialist Chambers and Special Prosecutor’s Office. If witnesses are discouraged from telling their stories, it is harder for judges to reach the truth. So far in proceedings before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, 3 persons pleaded guilty to intimidation in criminal proceedings, 2 persons were convicted of intimidation, and 5 individuals are currently on trial accused of alleged attempts to influence witnesses. According to Article 387 of the Kosovo Criminal Code “Whoever uses force or serious threat […], a promise of a gift or any other form of benefit to induce another person to refrain from making a statement or to make a false statement […] when such information relates to obstruction of criminal proceedings shall be punished by a fine of up to one hundred and twenty-five thousand (125,000) EUR and by imprisonment of two to ten years.”

Video of the KSC Press Briefing on 28/05/2026: #KosovoSpecialistChambers youtu.be/jN33-rw7-5w?si=Bax1… via @YouTube

When will the Judges give their judgment in the Thaçi et al. case? The KSC Rules of Procedure and Evidence guarantee the fairness and integrity of the proceedings by ensuring that time is available to judges to appropriately evaluate all necessary evidence when a case is particularly voluminous or legally complex. On the 5th May, the Trial Panel issued an order extending the deadline for the trial judgement in this case, due to the volume of evidence and the complexity of the proceedings. The order extends the deadline for the pronouncement of the trial judgment by 60 days. The public will be informed after the Trial Panel has set a specific date for the pronouncement of the judgment.

Video of the KSC Press Briefing on 21/05/2026 #KosovoSpecialistChambers youtu.be/RAkOT4GBps8?si=RkSF… via @YouTube

Decisions by the KSC judges can be reviewed and tested by a new panel of judges via the appeals process. This helps to ensure that the rights of accused before the KSC are upheld to the highest international standards.

Parties’ final trial briefs publicly available, two close relatives of a deceased victim approved to participate in proceedings in the Thaçi et al. case, and four witness statements admitted in written form in the Thaçi et al. (administration of justice) case. More information on this and other updates from April are available here.

Article 21 of the KSC Law guarantees the presumption of innocence for an accused, and lists the other rights afforded to an accused throughout the judicial process. This includes the right to be represented by a counsel of your choosing during trial. The KSC has a legal aid scheme if an accused cannot afford to pay for their defence.

Defendants who are detained before or during their trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers are held in the Detention Centre in the Hague. There, they have access to fresh air and exercise, can socialize, receive visitors, and attend religious services. Detention before or during a trial only takes place when necessary to prevent a substantial risk, e.g. the risk that the defendant will try to intimidate or influence witnesses. Every two months, the KSC Judges will review detention to examine whether the detention is still necessary and reasonable.

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