The Special Court for Kosovo in The Hague on Wednesday sentenced Hashim Thaci, the former President of Kosovo, to 25 years in prison for criminal responsibility regarding war crimes committed during the 1998-1999 war with Serbia.
Trial and Charges
Thaci, who was the former political leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), was tried alongside Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi, and Kadri Veseli. The four were charged with six counts of crimes against humanity and four counts of war crimes. The charges related to crimes against humanity were dropped, and Krasniqi was sentenced to 25 years, Selimi to 13 years, and Veseli to 18 years in prison.
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Reactions to the Verdict
According to the court's ruling, the institution stated that the prosecution failed to prove the existence of widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, which is one of the key elements for crimes against humanity. Following the verdict, Thaci's brother, Gani, told the media that his family believes in his innocence and "we are awaiting an appeal."
In a social media post, Krasniqi's daughter, Gresa, called the verdict an "unfair, political, racist, and criminal" decision, claiming that many individuals responsible for war crimes against Kosovo Albanians remain free in Serbia.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama described the ruling as "shameful." Meanwhile, clashes occurred in The Hague between supporters gathered to hear the verdict and Dutch police. Thaci was indicted in November 2020 and resigned as President that same month to address this process. He has remained in detention in The Hague since then.
Thaci is also awaiting a separate trial this month for alleged witness intimidation.
The Kosovo War took place between 1998-1999 between the Kosovo Liberation Army and Serbian forces, which initiated a systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing, forcing over 1 million Kosovo Albanians to flee their homes and killing approximately 11,000 people. The war ended in June 1999 after a 78-day NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslav forces.
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade still refuses to recognize it. The country has been recognized as an independent state by over 100 UN member states. Relations remain tense, and despite years of EU-mediated negotiations, tensions continue.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated before the verdict: "Our war was just, a war for freedom."
Former President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, expressed concern in an interview last week about what a guilty verdict would mean for Kosovo's security amid ongoing tensions with Serbia.
Thousands gathered in Pristina over the weekend and on Wednesday before the voting to support the four defendants, filling the central square with red and black Albanian flags.
This announcement is a preliminary decision, and the parties have the right to appeal.
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