Kosovo’s former president sentenced to 25 years for war crimes

Key points

• Thaci, 58, was convicted of four war crimes including the murder of 96 people, torture of 303 detainees, and arbitrary detention of 385 individuals.
• The tribunal acquitted all four defendants on six counts of crimes against humanity, stating prosecutors failed to prove a widespread systematic attack.
• Co-defendants Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi were sentenced to 18, 13, and 25 years respectively.
• Presiding Judge Charles Smith stated Thaci actively encouraged crimes and failed to punish abuse, but clarified the trial was not about the legitimacy of the KLA.
• Protests in Pristina turned violent, with masked demonstrators smashing windows at the EU Rule of Law Mission compound.

Background

This case follows the 2026 death of Ratko Mladic in a Hague prison, another high-profile war crimes figure from the Balkans conflicts. The 1998-99 Kosovo war resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths, mostly ethnic Albanians, and displaced one million people before NATO intervention. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a move Belgrade still refuses to recognize.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera reported on the pre-verdict atmosphere, noting tens of thousands rallied in Pristina demanding acquittal and that Thaci's lawyers argued no direct evidence linked him to the crimes. AP and WRAL detailed the post-verdict fallout, highlighting the 25-year sentence and violent protests, while noting Thaci's resignation from office to face trial. Reuters confirmed the conviction and sentence length. Kosovo's Foreign Minister condemned the verdict as a 'terrible judgment,' while Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic criticized the court for ignoring crimes against ethnic Serbs, claiming anti-Serb bias. Specialist Prosecutor Kimberly West praised the judgment as holding individuals accountable for exploiting war circumstances.

Why it matters

The verdict marks a significant moment for accountability in the Balkans, demonstrating that former national leaders can face justice for wartime actions. It deepens tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, with Belgrade using the case to question the fairness of international tribunals. The violent protests in Pristina reveal the deep societal divide over the legacy of the KLA and the 1998-99 war, challenging Kosovo's narrative of liberation and its relationship with Western institutions.

What to watch

Both Thaci and the prosecutors can appeal the verdict. Thaci's lawyers have indicated they will mount a 'robust appeal' to challenge the conviction. The case may further strain Kosovo-Serbia relations, potentially complicating EU-mediated negotiations. The violent protests suggest ongoing public unrest in Kosovo regarding the verdict and its implications for national identity.