-
By:
Ardit Kika
- 12 May 2026 11:40
- Share to:
Forensic linguistic expert Helen Fraser told the Specialist Chambers that she conducted the expert report on eight pieces of material. Fraser confirmed this during the prosecution’s questioning in the case where former President Hashim Thaçi, former Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi, former KIA director Bashkim Smakaj, former Malisheva mayor Isni Kilaj and former KLA member Fadil Fazliu are charged with criminal offences against the administration of justice.
Prosecutor Joshua Hafetz mentioned the number of audio evidence during questioning.
"Out of 348 audio files that were admitted as evidence in this court case covering more than 28 hours of audio recordings, your report states that you only received eight audio files, which is less than three percent," Hafetz said when asking the expert questions.
Fraser said he never counted.
"I haven't done any calculations, but it could be. Yes," said Fraser, whose expertise is in audio material that is difficult to understand.
also
Linguistic forensics expert: Wiretap transcripts have low reliability
The prosecutor suggested that the expert witness proposed by Thaçi's defense only had 3 percent of the audio materials under review.
"So unless there are other audio files that you received and listened to that you didn't list in your report, then I don't know anything about the remaining 97 percent of the audio files in this case. Can we say that," Hafetz asked. And Frazer replied, "yes."
On the second day of testimony, she said she may not have included all the audio she listened to in her report. The Australian expert told the court that she did not know how many versions of the expert report she sent to Thaçi's defense before arriving at the final report.
In the obstruction of justice case, Thaçi faces three charges of attempting to obstruct an official in the performance of official duties, three for violating the secrecy of the procedure, and four for disobeying the court.
also
Forensic expert testifies in Thaçi's trial
Kilaj, Smakaj and Fazliu are accused of attempting to obstruct officials in the performance of official duties and of disobeying the court, while Kuçi faces two charges of disobeying the court.
The SPS claims that Thaçi gave instructions to other defendants during their visits to the detention center to brief witnesses on how they should testify in the Special Chamber's largest case for war crimes and crimes against humanity, where in addition to Thaçi, the defendants are: Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi.
