Kosovo war crimes court jails ex-president Hashim Thaçi for 25 years, sparking mass protests

Kosovo’s ex-president Hashim Thaçi gets 25 years for war crimes, sparking mass protests in Pristina as supporters chant and clash with police.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi to 25 years in prison on 16 September for war crimes during the 1998-99 Kosovo conflict. The 58-year-old former Kosovo Liberation Army commander was convicted of murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention. He was sentenced alongside three other former KLA commanders: Jakup Krasniqi, also to 25 years, Kadri Veseli to 18 years and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years. All four were acquitted of crimes against humanity after judges found prosecutors had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that civilians had been subjected to a widespread or systematic attack. They can appeal.

In Pristina, thousands gathered in the city centre to watch the verdict on a large screen, with many supporters weeping, booing and chanting “Thaci, Thaci” and “KLA” while waving Kosovo Liberation Army flags. After the judgment, some marched towards the EU rule‑of‑law mission (EULEX) headquarters, chanting and, in places, clashing with riot police.

Thaci resigned as Kosovo’s president in 2020 to face the trial.