Story perspectives

Thaci Sentenced to 13–25 Years by Kosovo Court

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 10:52 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced former president Hashim Thaci and three KLA commanders to 13–25 years.
Protesters blocked a road near Pristina’s airport as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived.
Von der Leyen urged Kosovo to respect the court’s mandate and said the judgment concerns individuals.
She rejected an “associate membership” model and said Kosovo can receive up to €882 million from the EU Growth Plan.

History

Historical Context

From 24 March to 10 June 1999 NATO conducted a 78-day air campaign against Yugoslavia, flying over 38,000 combat missions to halt ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. International justice continued, and in 2023 the Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced former president Hashim Thaci and KLA leaders, under international oversight, in a landmark case.

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Story summary

Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced former president Hashim Thaci and three KLA commanders to 13–25 years.
Protesters blocked a road near Pristina’s airport as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived.
Von der Leyen urged Kosovo to respect the court’s mandate and said the judgment concerns individuals.
She rejected an “associate membership” model and said Kosovo can receive up to €882 million from the EU Growth Plan.

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