The Trial of Former KLA Leaders in the Eyes of World Media

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

According to Reuters, AP and Sky News, Thaçi was found guilty, Telegrafi reports.

The Guardian and Euronews report that in the same trial, Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years, Rexhep Selimi to 13 years, while Jakup Krasniqi to 25 years in prison. All four former KLA leaders have denied the charges. DW and BBC report on the sentences and developments after the verdict.

The decision sparked strong reactions in Kosovo. Days before the verdict, thousands of citizens gathered in Pristina in support of the former KLA leaders, AFP reported.

After the verdict there were also protests and tensions in Pristina and near the court in The Hague, according to Reuters.

CNN reports that Thaçi continues to reject the charges, while the first-instance decision can be appealed. The trial against him and three co-defendants lasted more than three years. /Telegrafi/