In The Hague, the trial of Hashim Thaci and three other commanders of the guerrilla army KLA is nearing its end. The prosecution has requested that the accused be sentenced to 45 years in prison each for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in 1998-1999. In the streets of Pristina, thousands of protesters demonstrated against the tribunal's activities, considering the trial an unjust attack on heroes of the independence struggle.

High Prosecution Demands

Prosecutors in The Hague are demanding 45 years in prison for Hashim Thaci and three other KLA commanders for war crimes.

Mass Protests in Pristina

Up to 200,000 people demonstrated in the capital of Kosovo, opposing the tribunal's activities and supporting the accused leaders.

Defense Line of the Accused

Hashim Thaci described the charges as unfounded, emphasizing his role as a peaceful politician and defender of Western values.

Before the special tribunal in The Hague, known as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, closing arguments have concluded in the trial against Hashim Thaci. The former president of Kosovo and his co-defendants: Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi, heard the prosecution's demand for a 45-year prison sentence for each of them. The indictment accuses them of direct responsibility for murders, torture, persecution, and enforced disappearances during the uprising against Serbian rule. Prosecutors emphasize that justice requires a severe reckoning for acts committed by the leadership of the KLA. The conflict in Kosovo in 1998-1999 led to NATO intervention, which forced Serbian forces to withdraw from the province, paving the way for the declaration of independence in 2008. Hashim Thaci has firmly rejected all accusations, presenting himself in court as a statesman and freedom fighter. „Throughout my life, I have stood by the people of Kosovo, defending freedom, life, and dignity. I have always been guided by Western ideals of democracy.” — Hashim Thaci The defense argues that the charges are unfounded and based on weak evidence. The judges now have several months to announce the final verdict. Meanwhile, in the country's capital, Pristina, mass demonstrations took place. According to organizers, up to 200,000 people took to the streets to express support for the accused leaders. Protesters, carrying Albanian and KLA flags, emphasized that the tribunal in The Hague is attempting to falsify the history of the struggle for liberation from Serbian domination. 45 years — in prison is what prosecutors are demanding for each of the accused leaders Social tension in the region is rising, and the trial is perceived by a significant portion of Kosovar society as an attempt to equate victims with aggressors. President Vjosa Osmani also addressed the public sentiment, noting the scale of citizen mobilization on the national holiday. The verdict, regardless of its content, will have fundamental significance for the political stability of the Balkans and Kosovo's future relations with international institutions. Trial and Protest Timeline: February 17, 2026 — Mass Protests; February 18, 15:00 — Thaci's Statement; February 18, 18:50 — Prosecution's Demand

Mentioned People

  • Hashim Thaci — Former President of Kosovo and KLA commander accused of war crimes.
  • Jakup Krasniqi — Former Speaker of the Parliament of Kosovo, co-defendant in the Hague trial.
  • Kadri Veseli — Former Speaker of the Parliament, member of the KLA leadership covered by the indictment.
  • Vjosa Osmani — Current President of Kosovo, who commented on the scale of protests in the country.