Kosovo towns erupt in protests over Hague convictions of former KLA leaders
Hundreds demonstrated in multiple Kosovo cities against the Hague court's sentencing of four former KLA officials, including ex-President Hashim Thaçi.
On Friday, crowds gathered in several Kosovo cities after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague handed down war-crimes convictions to four former senior KLA members, among them former President Hashim Thaçi. The KLA War Veterans’ Organisation coordinated protests in Skenderaj, Ferizaj, Peja, Prizren, Mitrovica and elsewhere, with demonstrators braving cold rain while displaying KLA insignia and shouting slogans for justice and freedom.
The court sentenced Thaçi to 25 years and Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi to 25, 18 and 13 years respectively, totaling 81 years for crimes ranging from arbitrary detention to murder. Speakers such as veterans’ leader Hysni Gucati denounced the verdict as unjust, citing civilian casualties and sexual violence during the war, and demanded an immediate appeal and legislative changes to the special court. Family members of fallen KLA fighters, including Flakrina Shala and Violeta Rexhepi, urged respect for the convicted leaders and pledged continued struggle for what they describe as true justice. Additional voices from student unions and parents’ groups echoed calls for a fair appellate process and highlighted perceived double standards in how Serbian perpetrators are treated.
Why it matters
The verdict and protests may destabilize Kosovo's politics and strain its ties with international justice bodies.
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