Court’s findings on Selimi: He took part in arrests and was present where crimes were committed

The Trial Panel at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers presented its findings on Rexhep Selimi as part of the reading of the verdict against the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).

According to presiding judge Charles Smith, the Trial Panel found that Selimi made a substantial contribution to implementing the common criminal purpose and was a key member of it.

Smith said Selimi appointed loyalists to various positions in order to maintain control within the KLA, while, according to the court’s findings, some of these people committed crimes or were aware of them.

The court also found that Selimi was aware of a significant number of crimes against people considered opponents, but took no steps to prevent or punish them.

“Mr. Selimi was one of the founders of the KLA and the General Staff before the conflict began. As a member of the General Staff, he was among the founders of the operational zones, but according to the Trial Panel, unlike the other accused, the establishment of these zones was not criminal,” Smith stated.

According to him, Selimi received frequent reports concerning suspected persons and collaborators.

“He received frequent reports on suspected persons and collaborators. Selimi was responsible for several zones and was targeting several suspected persons,” the presiding judge said.

Smith stated that, according to the Trial Panel’s findings, Selimi was aware of the actions of the people he had appointed.

“Selimi was aware of all actions, since he had appointed loyal people. Mr. Selimi took part in the arrest and detention of 13 members of parliament in Qirez. The Trial Panel found that Selimi was present at the places where the crimes were committed,” he said.

The presiding judge said the Trial Panel found that Selimi took no action to stop the crimes, even though, according to the court, he was aware they were being committed.

“Mr. Selimi, according to the Trial Panel’s findings, took no action to stop those crimes and was aware of their commission, but took no steps to halt them,” Smith stated.

According to him, instead of punishing the people who committed crimes, Selimi had contributed to their promotion.

“Instead of punishing the people who committed crimes, Selimi promoted them. Mr. Selimi was also appointed Minister of Public Order in the provisional government. In one case he intervened to release four KLA members who had committed crimes at an unlawful detention center, failing to ensure that the KLA complied with international humanitarian law,” Smith said.

The verdict against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi is being announced on September 16 in The Hague. The hearing is public and is also being streamed online by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.

Edili Project is supporting this special coverage from The Hague. (via Telegrafi)

Burimi: https://24-ore.com/konstatimet-e-gjykates-per-selimin-mori-pjese-ne-arrestime-dhe-ishte-i-pranishem-ne-vendet-ku-u-kryen-krimet/