Large-scale protest in Pristina following the verdict in The Hague against Hashim Thaçi and other former KLA leaders

Thousands of people protested in Pristina on Friday against the conviction of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for war crimes. The demonstration, organized by former fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), was one of the largest since the verdict announced on Wednesday by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, based in The Hague.

International judges found Thaci and three other former KLA leaders guilty of unlawful detention, torture, killings and cruel treatment committed during the war against Serbian forces and immediately after the conflict, between 1998 and 1999. Thaci received a 25-year prison sentence, Kadri Veseli 18 years, Jakup Krasniqi 25 years, and Rexhep Selimi 13 years. All four were acquitted of crimes against humanity.

Demonstrators, some of whom wore military uniforms and waved the KLA flag, accused the tribunal of political bias and called for the decision to be annulled. Thaci’s lawyer announced that the former leader would appeal and urged supporters to remain peaceful. Kosovo’s government described the verdict as “unacceptable” and promised support during the appeal process.

By contrast, Human Rights Watch described the convictions as important for the victims and their families, emphasizing that even powerful leaders are not above the law. The war in Kosovo claimed approximately 13,000 lives.