ICC convicted Kosovo leaders for war crimes, including killings and detentions; local reaction is mixed.
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The current Kosovo president requested understanding regarding the historical background, referencing Hashim Thaçi’s conviction by the Hague International Tribunal. The former president and former commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) was convicted for participating in attacks on civilians, killings, and responsibility for the harassment and illegal detention of the civilian population. Other individuals convicted alongside Thaçi include Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. Based on a September 16 ruling, Thaçi and Krasniqi were sentenced to 25 years in prison each, Veseli to 18 years, and Selimi to 13 years; however, their sentences are reduced due to prior pre-trial detention. The court emphasized individual responsibility for the killings while noting the organized nature of the crimes involving military police, intelligence services, and special units. Evidence also showed targeted attacks against Albanians suspected of collaborating with Serbian forces, who became victims of ethnic violence. Between April 1998 and June 20, 1999, at least 385 people were held in UÇK-controlled detention centers, often labeled as “Serbian collaborators,” “traitors,” or “spies.” During this period, evidence showed that 348 individuals suffered cruel treatment and 303 were tortured, with attacks also directed against Kosovar Serbs and local Roma. The Special Chamber found that UÇK members caused the deaths of at least 96 people who were not actively involved in the conflict across twelve Kosovo municipalities and one location in North Albania. The ruling’s impact is felt due to the widespread nature of the crimes, witnessed by civilians. Thaçi was held responsible for influencing public sentiment and for his involvement in the detention and killing of Albanian activist Behajdin Allaqi. Veseli was found responsible for identifying and monitoring alleged collaborators as a head of the Intelligence Directorate and participated in directing “special operations.” Krasniqi directed repressive actions against opponents, while Selimi’s direct responsibility for violence was not established, but he was held accountable for failing to prevent atrocities despite having the opportunity and being present as a passive witness. Although convicted of war crimes, Thaçi and others were acquitted on charges of crimes against humanity because there was no proven systematic attack on the civilian population; instead, political opponents, ethnic groups, and adversaries were targeted. The Kosovo Albanian public continues to view them as “our people.” Following the ruling, Kosovar Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca expressed sorrow over what he deemed an unjust decision that harms Kosovo. Local reactions in Pristina were volatile, with many Albanians believing the court was biased against the Albanian forces while ignoring Serbian actions. President Albulena Haxhiu attempted to calm tensions by referencing the suffering of Kosovar Albanians under state violence. Despite protests from activists both in Pristina and abroad, significant tension and disappointment persisted after the verdict’s release.
