Hashim Thaci, the former President of Kosovo, will learn his fate regarding war crimes at the International Court in The Hague on Wednesday. Thaci, along with three other leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, has been charged with multiple offenses including murder, torture, and persecution. This case relates to the Kosovo War of 1998 and 1999, during which the Kosovo Liberation Army fought against Serbian forces.
Public Support for the Defendants
In recent days, thousands gathered in Pristina in support of the four individuals. Protesters filled the central square of the capital, holding red and black Albanian flags. Images of the four fighters have been displayed throughout the city, and a large digital clock is counting down to the verdict.
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Prosecutors' Sentences and Requests
Prosecutors at the Special Court for Kosovo in The Hague have requested a maximum of 45 years in prison for Thaci and the other defendants, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi. All defendants have denied the charges against them. Thaci stated at the end of his trial in February 2023: "Throughout my life, I have stood with the people of Kosovo to defend freedom and dignity. I have always been guided by the principles of Western democracy and justice."
According to prosecutors, the four targeted political opponents and civilians identified as collaborators and traitors during their time in the Kosovo Liberation Army. Court personnel are primarily international due to security concerns and the safety of witnesses.
Thaci will also face a separate court on charges of threatening witnesses, which will begin later this month. He rose to political power after the war but resigned from his presidential position to defend himself against the charges.
More than 13,000 people lost their lives in the Kosovo War, most of whom were of Albanian descent. A 78-day NATO bombing campaign against Serbian forces helped bring an end to the war. In 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, which Belgrade does not recognize.
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Source: abcnews.com
