Selimi’s Defense: ‘We Are Very Disappointed with the Verdict, But This Is Only the First Instance’

The defense of Rexhep Selimi, led by lawyer Geoffrey Roberts, has reacted after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers verdict in The Hague, under which Selimi was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

In a short statement to the media, Roberts said the defense is disappointed with the verdict, but stressed that it is a first-instance judgment.

“We are very disappointed with the verdict, but it is very important to stress that this is only the first phase, the first battle, so to speak. Mr. Selimi fully intends to exercise his rights to appeal this verdict through Kosovo’s legal framework and we are confident that in the end, ultimately, he will be acquitted of all these charges,” he said.

Asked about Selimi’s condition after the verdict was announced, Roberts said he had met with his client and discussed the verdict with him, but declined to give further details.

“I’m sorry, I will not take questions. I met with Mr. Selimi and we discussed the verdict, but I will not give more details,” Roberts said.