MOn November 14 (Thursday), the trial will begin in the Specialized Chambers against Sabit Januz, Ismet Bahtijar and Haxhi Shala. They are being accused of obstructing official persons in the performance of official duties and intimidation during criminal proceedings.
The Specialized Chambers have announced that between April 5 and 13, 2024, by order of Shala, Januzi and Bahtijari met with a witness on two occasions to encourage him to withdraw his testimony. This is said to have been done through grave threats and the promise of a gift or some other form of benefit.
"On November 14, the Chief Judge will open the trial, ask for the reading of the charges to the accused, inform them of their rights and obligations and ask them if they have understood the Indictment and if they wish to confirm the self-declaration of their past as innocent. Then, the SPS will present the opening statement which will be followed by the opening statements of the Defense of Januz and the Defense of Shala. As requested by the relevant parties, the Trial Panel has planned two hours for the opening statement of the ZPS, one hour for the opening statement of Januzi's Defense and 30 minutes for the opening statement of Shala's Defense", the communique states.
It was emphasized there that Bakhtijar's defense will hold an opening statement.
On December 9, the Office of the Specialized Prosecutor will begin presenting evidence and calling witnesses.
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The hearing for the trial against Shala, Bakhtijar and Januz is postponed
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Request to modify Haxhi Shala's sentence is rejected
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The Special Court releases Sabit Januzi and Ismet Bahtijari on bail
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Shala is sentenced to three years in prison, while Januzi and Bahtjari are sentenced to two years each.
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The special team will decide today on Shala, Januzi and Bahtijari