The Kosovo Special Court in The Hague has decided to extend the pre-trial detention of the former President of Kosovo, in a case related to charges of obstruction of justice.

The decision was made by the competent pre-trial judge, who pointed out that there are still serious risks of escape, interference with the judicial process, as well as the commission of new criminal offenses.

According to the court, there is reasonable evidence that the defendant has committed the offenses of revealing official secrets, insulting the court, and obstructing public officials in the performance of their duties.

These charges stem from investigations linked to another judicial process, in which the former President faces serious charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The decision to continue pretrial detention was based, among other things, on the possibility of influencing witnesses or hindering the smooth progress of the proceedings.

The reasoning behind the decision noted that the defendant had a leading role in groups that sought to influence witnesses, through the leakage of prohibited information and the provision of benefits with the aim of altering their testimonies.

The court also emphasized that the security measures in the Special Court's pre-trial detention facilities offer an increased level of protection against unauthorized communications and possible interference with the judicial process.

Furthermore, it was reported that the main trial is progressing at a satisfactory pace, as the defense has already filed its preliminary objections and the prosecution has completed most of the presentation of evidence.

The court set a deadline for the accused to submit, if he wishes, his positions for the next review of his detention by June 27, 2025. In the event that no observations are submitted by the Defense, The special prosecution office must submit its own by July 7, 2025.