Full Breakdown
Kosovo Protests Intensify Over War Crimes Convictions of Former Leaders
By Drooid · · How we work
Protests Sweep the Country
Daily demonstrations have spread across Kosovo, with thousands gathering in Pristina and eight other cities after the sentencing of former president Hashim Thaci and three former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commanders. Protesters, many wearing red and black Albanian flags and KLA insignia, chant slogans praising the former fighters and denounce the verdicts. Organizers expect tens of thousands at a large rally in the capital later this month.
Background and Court Verdicts
The convictions stem from the 1998-99 conflict that produced roughly 13,000 deaths and ended after NATO air strikes forced Serbian forces to withdraw. The Netherlands-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague found Thaci, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli, and Rexhep Selimi criminally responsible for murders, illegal arrests, torture and cruel treatment committed by KLA units. The court sentenced Thaci and Krasniqi to 25 years each, Veseli to 18 years, and Selimi to 13 years. All four have announced plans to appeal.
Official Responses
Prime Minister Albin Kurti called the rulings “unacceptable” and pledged governmental support for the convicted men throughout the appeals process. He has not yet responded to a demand from the opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo that the Specialist Chambers’ jurisdiction be limited. The European Union, which backs Kosovo’s EU-membership aspirations, warned that anti-court initiatives could strain relations and impede stalled talks on normalising ties with Serbia. Kosovo’s parliament is expected to adopt a declaration concerning the verdicts in the coming days.
Opposition and Critics
Opposition figures and local officials accuse the court of political bias and of relying on evidence supplied by Serbia, a state that does not recognise Kosovo’s independence. Drenas mayor Ramiz Lladrovci urged institutions to defend the “heroes,” while protest leader Ismail Tasholli warned the government that “the final moment” to act has arrived, insisting that demonstrations will continue until the jailed former rebels are released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will not back down in the face of this injustice,” — Ismail Tasholli — Ismail Tasholli, protest organizer