The National Council for Cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia today expressed concern about the start of the re-trial of Ramush Haradinaj and about the testimony of Shefqet Kabashi, former KLA member.

In a statement the National Council for Cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia stated that President of the Council Rasim Ljajic addressed the President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

The tribunal back in 2008 concluded that it is difficult to find witnesses for Hadarinaj’s trial as they are intimidated, the statement said, adding that as many as 18 witnesses refused to appear before the court.

Witness intimidation has led, eventually, to a partial repetition of the proceedings against Haradinaj. However, already from the start of a re-trial the pressure on witnesses seems to be even greater.

This is the last moment for the tribunal to provide adequate and effective protection to witnesses and allow them to testify freely and without fear.