Kadri Veseli sentenced to 18 years in prison

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague have sentenced former parliament speaker Kadri Veseli — former President of the Assembly of Kosovo and former member of the General Staff of the Kosovo Liberation Army — to 18 years in prison.

During the pronouncement of the verdict, the trial panel also presented its assessments regarding Veseli’s position and role.

According to the trial panel’s findings, Veseli had abused the power and position he held, using it, according to the court, for criminal purposes.

In determining the sentence, the trial panel also took into account Veseli’s personal circumstances and his conduct during the trial.

According to the court, Veseli showed good conduct throughout the proceedings, with the exception of one specific case. The court also took into account the fact that he surrendered voluntarily to the Specialist Chambers.