Hamza calls for urgent state action: defending former KLA leaders must be a priority

PDK leader Bedri Hamza called on Kosovo’s institutions to act urgently following the September 16 verdict in The Hague. He said the defense of the former KLA leaders and of the truth about the war must be a state priority.

“A great injustice has been done to Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and their comrades-in-arms. The verdict against them is unjust, unacceptable and politically influenced. Our first responsibility is not to leave them alone,” Hamza said at the meeting of the PDK Steering Council, according to a statement from the party.

He said support for them must proceed within the law and institutions, including securing their defense in the coming phases of the process. Hamza said Kosovo must also respond to the political and historical consequences of the verdict with facts, documents and diplomacy.

Speaking about the bill proposed by PDK, he said the initiative seeks to review the scope of the Specialist Chambers, not to close them. Under the proposal, cases unrelated to the claims of the Dick Marty report would be transferred to the Kosovo justice system, along with the relevant files and evidence.

Hamza said the bill also provides for the possibility of international monitoring of trial standards, detention conditions and respect for human rights. He added that the initiative does not interfere with ongoing proceedings until the appeal is concluded.

“Now we must also act as a state. The Assembly must do its part. The Government must do its part. And PDK will do its part,” Hamza declared.

He called on citizens to join the October 1 protest in Pristina, announced to start at 4:00 PM.