Protesters rally in Pristina against war crimes convictions of former KLA leaders

A large crowd assembled in Pristina’s central square on Friday, chanting “Hashim, where you are, all Kosovo is here for you” and singing national songs to protest the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ verdict that sentenced former President Hashim Thaci and three former KLA leaders to lengthy prison terms. The defendants - Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi - were found guilty of war crimes but acquitted of crimes against humanity.

The KLA War Veterans’ Organisation demanded the dismissal of Justice Minister Donika Gervalla, changes to the law governing the specialist court, and full financial support for the appeal. Democratic Party of Kosovo figures, including the son of former party leader Bedri Hamza, expressed gratitude to the protesters and vowed to keep fighting for what they call justice. The protest followed earlier unrest in which stones and firecrackers were thrown at the Kosovo government building and the EULEX headquarters, and a parallel demonstration in The Hague was dispersed by Dutch police. A further rally is planned for Monday.