Kosovo ex-president Thaci faces war crimes verdict

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague is set to deliver its verdict in the war crimes trial of former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci and three former commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).

Thaci, 58, and the other defendants are accused of crimes including murder and torture committed during Kosovo’s 1998-99 conflict with Serbian forces. Prosecutors have requested 45-year prison sentences for each of the four former commanders. All the defendants have denied the allegations.

The verdict is being closely followed in both Kosovo and Serbia, where the legacy of the conflict continues to shape relations between Kosovo Albanians and Serbs. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but tensions between the two communities remain.

Thaci is regarded as a prominent wartime figure by many Kosovo Albanians, while the tribunal has faced strong opposition within Kosovo. Authorities have installed large screens in several towns so residents can follow the proceedings, while KLA flags have appeared along major streets.

Police have increased security ahead of the ruling and are coordinating with international peacekeeping forces in case demonstrations become violent. The US and several other foreign embassies have advised their citizens to stay away from large gatherings.

Prosecutors allege that more than 100 people viewed as political opponents or collaborators with Serbian security forces were killed by KLA members during the conflict.

Thaci’s defence team has rejected the accusations, arguing that the prosecution has failed to provide evidence directly connecting him to the alleged crimes or demonstrating that he exercised control over other KLA commanders. His lawyers have also described the case as an effort to distort the history of the Kosovo conflict.