Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three other former KLA leaders received prison sentences for war crimes, sparking protests in Pristina.
Key facts
- •Hashim Thaci and Jakup Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison.
- •Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years.
- •The total combined prison time for the four former KLA leaders is 81 years.
- •Protesters in Pristina displayed KLA flags and portraits of the convicted leaders.
- •The "March for Freedom" held four days before the verdict drew thousands of participants.
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three other former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) have been sentenced to prison for war crimes by a court in The Hague. Following the announcement of the verdicts, thousands of protesters gathered in the center of Pristina to express their discontent. Demonstrators displayed portraits of the former leaders and KLA flags, with many chanting "Not in my name."
By the numbers
Sentencing Details
Hashim Thaci and Jakup Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison. Kadri Veseli received an 18-year sentence, while Rexhep Selimi was sentenced to 13 years. During the proceedings, Thaci appeared in a navy blue suit and pink tie, listening to the verdict calmly.
Public Reaction and Demonstrations
The sentencing followed a massive "March for Freedom" held in Pristina four days prior, where organizers claimed approximately 100,000 people participated, though this figure remains unverified. Following the verdict, the slogan "Not in my name" spread across social media and various gathering points throughout Kosovo.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Republika (North Macedonia), Serbian Monitor.
