The Llapi case was the first major trial in Kosovo to charge Kosovo Albanians accused for war crimes and hence gained considerable public attention. The accused were indicted for war crimes under domestic applicable law for acts perpetrated against predominantly Kosovo Albanian victims.

This report refers to the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers with regard to the right to an effective council. The Basic Principles require the defence counsel to actively assist their clients by advising them of their rights and by representing them in court throughout the proceedings and providing them with a service which is both ‘practical and effective’.