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UÇKHistory and Memory

Kosovo Specialist Chambers · KSC-BC-2023-10

Specialist Prosecutor v. Sabit Januzi, Ismet Bahtijari and Haxhi Shala

Procedural status: Final judgmentOffences against the administration of justice · Proceedings in the 2020s

Editorial status: Awaiting verificationDrafted from the cited sources; not yet fully reviewed by the editors.

Procedural status

From investigation to final decision. Where does the case stand today?

Path of the case

Stage 6 of 6: Final

  1. Investigation
  2. Indictment
  3. Trial
  4. First instance
  5. Appeal(this stage did not take place)
  6. Final

Stage 6 of 6: Final

Final

A definitive decision after appeal, or after the time limit for appeal has passed.

Appeal status:Final (guilty pleas).

Sentences imposed

3 sentenced · by final judgment

  1. 01

    Haxhi Shala

    3 years

    ' imprisonment

    Final

  2. 02

    Sabit Januzi

    2 years

    ' imprisonment (served)

    Final

  3. 03

    Ismet Bahtijari

    2 years

    ' imprisonment (served)

    Final

A judgment concerning individuals is not automatically a judgment against a people, a war, or every member of an organization.

Outcome for each accused

Convictions(3)

  • Haxhi Shala

    Per the plea agreement, directed the approaches to the witness

    Outcome:Conviction

    Sentence:3 years' imprisonment

    Final

  • Sabit Januzi

    Approached the witness in person

    Outcome:Conviction

    Sentence:2 years' imprisonment (served)

    Final

  • Ismet Bahtijari

    Approached the witness in person

    Outcome:Conviction

    Sentence:2 years' imprisonment (served)

    Final

Charges and alleged conduct

Per the plea agreements, in April 2023 the accused coordinated approaches to a witness to induce him to withdraw his evidence, including the promise of a benefit.

Period covered by the charges:At least 5–12 April 2023

Charges

  • Obstructing official persons
  • Intimidation during criminal proceedings

Procedural history

  1. Confirmed indictment

    The indictment against Januzi and Bahtijari is confirmed (against Shala on 4 December 2023).

  2. Guilty plea

    All three plead guilty to Counts 2 and 3.

  3. Trial (first-instance) judgment

    Plea agreements approved: Shala 3 years, Januzi and Bahtijari 2 years each.

  4. Sentence served

    Januzi and Bahtijari complete their sentences.

Last verified:

Verification note:Most recent official information: modification of Haxhi Shala's sentence (2 February 2026).

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