Protests across Kosovo over former KLA leaders’ war crimes convictions

Demonstrators rallied in cities across Kosovo on 25 September against the war crimes convictions of four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders, as protest organisers pressed the government to support their legal defence. [2] [3]

Associated Press reported thousands rallying in the rain, while BIRN described hundreds at regional demonstrations in cities including Skenderaj, Ferizaj, Peja, Prizren and Mitrovica. The regional rallies were organised by the KLA War Veterans’ Organisation. [2] [3]

They followed nine consecutive nights of gatherings in Pristina organised by a separate movement, Liria Ka Emër, or Freedom Has a Name. Ismail Tasholli, from that group, told AP that protesters wanted concrete government action, including financial support and the hiring of law firms. Prime Minister Albin Kurti has promised to stand by the jailed men and provide help, AP reported. [2] [3]

The convictions

On 16 September, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague convicted the four men of war crimes including unlawful or arbitrary arrest and detention, cruel treatment, torture and murder. [3] [4]

Former president Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi each received 25-year prison sentences, Kadri Veseli 18 years and Rexhep Selimi 13 years, with credit for time already spent in detention. All four were acquitted on six counts of crimes against humanity. [4] [8]

Protesters described the convictions as unjust and accused the tribunal of bias, ANP/AFP reported. They also criticised the use of evidence supplied by Serbia.