The trial panel at the Hague Tribunal said that the responsibility of the four defendants is individual, but found that they acted together and reached an agreement for a common criminal purpose.

According to Judge Smith, they jointly established detention facilities, assigned other individuals roles and positions to achieve this goal, and issued communiqués through which they disseminated their positions and policies. According to Smith, Fatmir Limaj, Sabit Geci, Rrustem Mustafa, and Latif Gashi were “zealous implementers” of a criminal purpose that, according to the court, targeted opponents of the KLA.

The trial panel also found that the accused ensured complete impunity for the perpetrators of the crimes. The trial panel found that Hashim Thaçi made a substantial contribution to the implementation of the common criminal purpose. According to Judge Charles Smith, Thaçi was a key member in the implementation of this purpose. He and the other defendants appointed loyal individuals to various positions to maintain control within the KLA throughout the relevant period, Smith added. According to him, many of these individuals committed crimes or were aware of their commission.
"Thaci, as a member of the general staff, was a member in the formation and implementation of the joint criminal plan. He encouraged the commission of crimes. He expressed tolerance and encouragement for the commission of crimes. He participated in the crimes, as well as in the arrest of 13 parliamentarians in Qirez," Smith said.