The Hague-based Specialist Prosecutor’s Office said that their investigation against the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) veterans leaders proves that Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj are guilty.
“Our investigation has established that the charges against the accused are warranted, and the evidence efficiently approves their guilt beyond reasonable doubt,” the prosecutor told the pre-trial judge on Friday.
They added that the pre-trial phase of the proceeding against Gucati and Haradinaj is “almost complete”.
The defense requested the SPO to deal “properly” with investigation items disclosed to them by the prosecution in order to prepare their defense.
“The day before the fourth status conference (on Thursday) we are provided with 153 disclosed items. I make no criticism, of course, of the fact they are disclosed but I raise it again because your honor will forgive us for remaining skeptical in these circumstances,” Jonathan Rees said.
However, the SPO argues that they are working according to the regulations and deadlines set by the pre-trial judge.
“The defense does not get to decide what the SPO should or should not investigate, nor does it get to decide which witnesses we should call or which evidence to present,” the prosecution said.
Gucati and Haradinaj are charged with “obstruction of justice” and “unauthorized disclosure of protected information”, including the identifying details of potential witnesses.
During the period April-September 2020, Gucati and Haradinaj are accused of making accusatory statements about witnesses cooperating with the Special Prosecutor’s Office and other persons, calling them “liars, collaborators, and traitors”.
