THE HAGUE – Chief Prosecutor West: Verdict Against Former KLA Leaders Important for Justice for Victims

The Chief Prosecutor of the Kosovo Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, Kimberly West, has welcomed the verdict against the four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who were sentenced to a total of 81 years in prison for war crimes committed during the war in Kosovo and in Albania in 1998–1999.

Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison, while Kadri Veseli received 18 years and Rexhep Selimi 13.

The court found them guilty of unlawful detention, cruel treatment, torture and the murder of persons considered opponents by the KLA.

In a written statement, West said the verdict is important for the rule of law in Kosovo and for justice for the victims.

“Today’s decision, based solely on facts and on the law, is important for accountability and the rule of law in Kosovo,” West declared.

She stressed that the verdict confirms that no one, regardless of rank or political position, is above the law or can escape accountability for grave international crimes.

The chief prosecutor also underlined that the trial concerned individual criminal responsibility and does not call historical narratives into question.

According to her, the Prosecution held individuals accountable for their own actions and did not put the KLA or the war for Kosovo’s independence on trial.

West said the four defendants “exploited the circumstances of war to commit grave crimes”.

The Prosecution, she added, will carefully review the entire verdict in the coming days, including the six counts of crimes against humanity on which the four defendants were not found guilty.

The chief prosecutor stated that the Prosecution will continue working to establish accountability for the crimes and to support victims’ rights in the further stages of the judicial process, including appeal proceedings.