Kosovars protest convictions of former leaders
Thousands opposed the convictions of four former KLA leaders by the Kosovo tribunal in The Hague.
Thousands of Kosovars protested in Pristina against the conviction of four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. The demonstrations followed a ruling by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, which is not yet final.
On 16 September, the tribunal convicted Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi of war crimes connected with the war in Kosovo. Thaçi and Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison, Veseli to 18 years and Selimi to 13 years. All four were political or military leaders within the former KLA.
The judges found the four individually criminally responsible for, among other things, arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture and murder. According to the ruling, there were 385 victims of arbitrary detention, 49 victims of cruel treatment, 303 victims of torture and 96 victims of murder. The court acquitted the defendants of crimes against humanity because that charge had not been proved beyond reasonable doubt.
The convictions touched a sensitive historical point in Kosovo. Many Kosovars see the KLA as the movement that fought against Serbian domination and thereby paved the way to independence. The tribunal, by contrast, is examining possible crimes by KLA members against alleged political opponents, people associated with Serbian authorities and members of minorities.
Kosovo’s police reported that thousands of people took part in a protest on Skënderbeu Square on 18 September. The gathering was organised by the organisation of KLA war veterans and, according to police, passed without incident. On the day of the verdict itself, there were also clashes around the EU mission EULEX in Pristina, according to Euronews. Those events are described separately by the sources involved; it is therefore not accurate to characterise all the demonstrations as violent.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti called the verdict a damaging and heavy sentence, according to Euronews, and referred to the possibility of an appeal. The court and the prosecution present the ruling as a test of the rule of law and as justice for victims. These differing reactions show why the trial in Kosovo is seen not only as a legal matter, but also as a struggle over the meaning of the country’s wartime history.
The verdict is not final. The defence and the prosecution may appeal. In addition, the tribunal has prepared separate proceedings on possible remedies for victims. The case therefore remains legally open, while its social consequences are already visible in protests and in the debate over the legitimacy of the Kosovo tribunal.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicted four former KLA leaders of war crimes and acquitted them of crimes against humanity.
- Thousands of people protested in Pristina against the verdict.
- The ruling is still subject to appeal.
Left
Arguments Emphasises that leaders of a liberation movement must also be held to the same legal standards, and that victims deserve recognition regardless of their background or political history. International justice serves here as protection against impunity.
Values Equality before the law, human rights and protection of victims.
Consequences Consistent legal proceedings can strengthen trust in international institutions, but in Kosovo they can also increase social polarisation and resistance to foreign institutions.
Centre
Arguments Sees the verdict as a legal ruling that must be carefully distinguished from a judgement on the KLA as a whole or on Kosovo’s struggle for independence. An appeal and transparent reasoning are needed to preserve legitimacy.
Values The rule of law, procedural care and institutional independence.
Consequences An orderly appeal process can limit escalation, but it takes time and may keep the historical controversy alive for the time being.
Right
Arguments Emphasises that, in this view, the international court pays too little attention to the war of liberation and that foreign institutions undermine the legitimacy of Kosovo’s own history. National dignity and the judgement of Kosovars come first.
Values National sovereignty, historical recognition and distrust of external power.
Consequences Political pressure on the tribunal can mobilise public support, but it can also weaken the position of victims and the credibility of the legal process.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is based on the official ruling and independent reporting on the protests. The text distinguishes between facts from the verdict, political reactions and the appeal process, which remains open.
- confirmed The Kosovo Specialist Chambers convicted four former KLA leaders on 16 September 2026. — The official court publication names the ruling and the four individuals. source
- confirmed Thaçi and Krasniqi received 25 years, Veseli 18 years and Selimi 13 years. — The sentences are set out in the official ruling. source
- confirmed The court acquitted the four of crimes against humanity. — The court says that this charge was not proved beyond reasonable doubt. source
- confirmed Thousands of people protested in Pristina on 18 September. — Kosovo’s police reported thousands of demonstrators and a peaceful end to the gathering. source
- confirmed The verdict is not final and an appeal is possible. — AP reports that both the defence and the prosecutors may appeal. source
Editor's note
The verdict, sentences and protests were confirmed by the court, the Kosovo police and independent media. The legal ruling is not final, and political reactions have been attributed as reactions.Sources
- Hashim Thaçi and co-defendants found guilty of war crimes — Kosovo Specialist Chambers
- Anger over Thaçi war crimes sentence spills into protests at Kosovo EU mission — Euronews
- Police engagements for the smooth running of the protest — Kosovo Police
- A Hague court convicts Kosovo’s former President Thaci of war crimes — Associated Press
More on this in Dutch media
- RTL Nieuws — „kosovo hashim thaçi”
- NOS — „kosovo hashim thaçi”
- Het Parool — „kosovo hashim thaçi”