Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci Sentenced to 25 Years for War Crimes
World
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for war crimes committed during the 1998–1999 conflict. The verdict was delivered by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague on September 16.
The court found Thaci guilty on a number of charges involving murder, illegal detention, torture and cruel treatment. According to Reuters, the tribunal linked him to the murder of 96 people, including political opponents of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and people suspected of cooperating with Serbian security forces. Thaci denied the charges throughout the trial.
Three other former KLA leaders — Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi — were tried alongside Thaci. The case covered events from March 1998 to September 1999 in Kosovo, as well as in Kukes and Cahan in northern Albania. The indictment included allegations of persecution, unlawful and arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture, murder and enforced disappearance.
The trial began on April 3, 2023. A total of 134 witnesses testified in court: 125 were called by the prosecution, two by Victims’ Counsel and seven by the defence. The evidentiary proceedings concluded in December 2025, while closing statements were held in February 2026.
Prosecutors had sought 45-year prison sentences for each of the four defendants. The court did not uphold all of the charges in full. According to Reuters, Thaci is expected to appeal the verdict.
Thaci was one of the KLA’s leaders during the war and later became one of Kosovo’s leading political figures, serving as both prime minister and president. He resigned from the presidency in November 2020 after the indictment was confirmed and was transferred to The Hague.
The trial triggered protests in Kosovo by supporters of Thaci and other former KLA commanders, who are regarded by part of Kosovo society as heroes of the independence struggle. A separate case against Thaci concerns alleged offences against the administration of justice and interference with witnesses.
Three other former KLA leaders — Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi — were tried alongside Thaci. The case covered events from March 1998 to September 1999 in Kosovo, as well as in Kukes and Cahan in northern Albania. The indictment included allegations of persecution, unlawful and arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture, murder and enforced disappearance.
The trial began on April 3, 2023. A total of 134 witnesses testified in court: 125 were called by the prosecution, two by Victims’ Counsel and seven by the defence. The evidentiary proceedings concluded in December 2025, while closing statements were held in February 2026.
Prosecutors had sought 45-year prison sentences for each of the four defendants. The court did not uphold all of the charges in full. According to Reuters, Thaci is expected to appeal the verdict.
Thaci was one of the KLA’s leaders during the war and later became one of Kosovo’s leading political figures, serving as both prime minister and president. He resigned from the presidency in November 2020 after the indictment was confirmed and was transferred to The Hague.
The trial triggered protests in Kosovo by supporters of Thaci and other former KLA commanders, who are regarded by part of Kosovo society as heroes of the independence struggle. A separate case against Thaci concerns alleged offences against the administration of justice and interference with witnesses.
Powered by Froala Editor