Kosovo Awaits Tomorrow’s Hague Verdict on Hashim Thaçi: Prosecution Seeks 45 Years in Prison

Kosovo awaits tomorrow, September 16, the first-instance verdict against Hashim Thaçi, former prime minister and former president of Kosovo, former commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), and his three associates — Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi — who have been on trial since 2023 before the Specialist Chambers in The Hague for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the 1998-1999 conflict.

The prosecution has sought a 45-year prison sentence for each of the accused, who have pleaded not guilty. A large clock counting down to the moment the verdict is announced has been placed in Pristina’s central square, while KLA flags wave across the country; over the weekend thousands of citizens marched in support of the former war leaders. Kosovo Police have announced they will guarantee order and security.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti declared that “no domestic or international court can tarnish the KLA.” On the other hand, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić claimed without evidence that the verdict will be “mostly acquitting for all wrongdoings against the Serbian people.”

Analyst Donika Emini from the University of Graz assesses that an acquittal could change Kosovo’s political scene, giving momentum to the weakened opposition if Thaçi returns. Richard Grenell has claimed Thaçi enjoys bipartisan American support, while former U.S. ambassador Christopher Hill testified in his defense. Ramush Haradinaj said it would be an honor for Kosovo if Thaçi returned to the presidency.

According to Mark Ellis from the International Bar Association, the significance of this decision goes beyond the legal fate of the accused — it is expected to shape the political future of Kosovo and the entire region.

Source: BBC News in Serbian