The trial of Hashim Thaci and three other leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army is concluding before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The prosecution has requested that each defendant be sentenced to 45 years in prison for crimes against humanity and war crimes. Meanwhile, in Pristina, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in support of the accused, calling the charges baseless and an attack on the struggle for the country's independence.

Severe Sentencing Request

Prosecution in The Hague is requesting 45 years in prison for Hashim Thaci for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Thaci's Defense Line

The former president maintains that the charges are baseless and describes himself as a freedom fighter guided by Western ideals.

Mass Protests in Pristina

Up to 200,000 people demonstrated in Kosovo's capital against the tribunal, coinciding with celebrations of the 18th anniversary of independence.

In The Hague, closing arguments have concluded in the trial against Hashim Thaci and three other high-ranking commanders of the KLA. Prosecutors from the Kosovo Specialist Chambers have requested a sentence of 45 years in prison for each defendant. The charges include murder, torture, and political and ethnic persecution during the war for independence in 1998–1999. Thaci, addressing the judges, rejected all accusations, calling them unfounded and emphasizing his role as a statesman and peaceful leader striving for Western democratic ideals. The conflict in Kosovo in 1998–1999 led to NATO intervention, which ultimately forced Serbian forces to withdraw from the region, paving the way for the declaration of independence in 2008. Simultaneously, in Pristina, mass demonstrations took place, which organizers estimated could involve up to 200,000 people. Protesters with KLA flags filled the capital's main square, also celebrating the 18th anniversary of the independence declaration. Among the demonstrators was the current president Vjosa Osmani, highlighting the political weight of the case for Kosovo's national identity. The verdict in this landmark case is expected in several months, and its announcement will be crucial for political stability in the Balkan region. „Throughout my life, I have stood by the people of Kosovo, defending freedom, life, and dignity.” — Hashim Thaci 45 lat — in prison threatens leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army Timeline of the Trial and Protests: February 17, 2026 — Mass Protests; February 18, 2026 — Sentencing Request; February 18, afternoon — Thaci's Defense

Mentioned People

  • Hashim Thaci — Former President of Kosovo accused of war crimes
  • Jakup Krasniqi — Former Speaker of the Parliament of Kosovo, accused in the trial
  • Kadri Veseli — Former Speaker of the Parliament of Kosovo, accused in the trial
  • Rexhep Selimi — Former MP, co-accused KLA commander
  • Vjosa Osmani — Sitting President of Kosovo, supporting the protesters