Hashim Thaci, the former President of Kosovo, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for committing war crimes during his country's independence war from Serbia. This ruling was issued by a court supported by the European Union in the Netherlands. Thaci, who is 58 years old, resigned from his position six years ago to face these charges.
Conviction and details of the charges
Thaci was charged with four counts of war crimes including murder, torture, inhumane acts, and arbitrary detention. He was tried alongside three other leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who fought against Serbian forces in the 1998-1999 war. These individuals are regarded as national heroes in their country.
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During the court session, Thaci, dressed in formal attire, remained silent as the judge, Charles Smith, read the verdict. Prosecutors in this court sought the maximum sentence of 45 years in prison for Thaci and the other defendants. Thaci and his colleagues have denied all charges.
Reactions and consequences
Thousands gathered in the capital of Kosovo, Pristina, in support of the four defendants. Protesters appeared in the city center holding red and black Albanian flags. Images of these four former fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army were displayed on the city walls, and a large digital clock was counting down to the announcement of the verdict.
At the end of his trial in February 2023, Thaci told the judges: "Throughout my life, I have stood alongside the people of Kosovo to defend freedom, life, and dignity. I have always been influenced by the Western ideas of democracy, equality, and justice."
According to prosecutors, these defendants attacked political opponents and civilians who were considered collaborators and traitors during their service in the Kosovo Liberation Army. The court staff, supported by the European Union, are mostly international due to concerns regarding the security and safety of witnesses.
Thaci is also facing a separate trial for witness intimidation, which will begin at the end of this month. He was heavily supported by Western leaders as a political leader who participated in the 1999 peace negotiations in France and was seen as someone who could lead his country towards independence.
More than 13,000 people lost their lives in the Kosovo war, most of whom were of Albanian descent. A 78-day NATO air operation against Serbian forces ended this conflict. Approximately one million ethnic Albanians from Kosovo were displaced from their homes.
In 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, a move that Belgrade does not recognize. Relations between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense and unresolved despite years of negotiations supported by the European Union and the United States.
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Source: independent.co.uk
