Anger over Thaçi sentence spills into protests at Kosovo EU mission
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in nine cities across Kosovo on Friday, expanding protests against the war crimes convictions of former president Hashim Thaçi and other former rebel commanders. Former guerrilla fighters called the widespread demonstrations following the international court sentencing in The Hague, which handed Thaçi a 25-year prison term. The demonstrations add significant pressure on the government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who is already dealing with a monthslong political crisis. Public backlash remains intense as many citizens view the verdict against the former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders as unjust.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Thousands rallied across Kosovo late Friday against the sentencing of former president Hashim Thaci and several close associates for war crimes.
- ✓ Former guerrilla fighters called protests in nine cities, expanding demonstrations beyond Pristina.
- ✓ Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government faces mounting pressure amid a monthslong political crisis.
What changed
Protests expanded beyond Pristina into nine cities across Kosovo on Friday, drawing thousands of demonstrators.
Live updates
-
Protests Spread Across Kosovo Over War Crimes Sentences
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in nine cities across Kosovo on Friday, expanding protests against the war crimes convictions of former president Hashim Thaçi and other former rebel commanders. Former guerrilla fighters called the widespread demonstrations following the international court sentencing in The Hague, which handed Thaçi a 25-year prison term. The demonstrations add significant pressure on the government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who is already dealing with a monthslong political crisis. Public backlash remains intense as many citizens view the verdict against the former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders as unjust.
Why it matters
The demonstrations stem from a September 16 ruling by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, which convicted former senior figures for actions tied to the 1990s conflict for independence from Serbia. Daily rallies initially began in Pristina before expanding into nightly events and spreading to multiple municipalities late Friday. Many residents view the verdict as an unfair attack on the Kosovo Liberation Army and its fight against Serbian oppression.
What is confirmed
- Thousands rallied across Kosovo late Friday against the sentencing of former president Hashim Thaci and several close associates for war crimes.
- Former guerrilla fighters called protests in nine cities, expanding demonstrations beyond Pristina.
- Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government faces mounting pressure amid a monthslong political crisis.
What to watch next
- Further expansion or escalation of street demonstrations across Kosovo
- Response from Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government to the growing political pressure
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.hindustantimes.com — Protests spread in Kosovo over war crimes convictions
- abcnews.com — Protests against war crimes verdicts add pressure on Kosovo's government
- www.winnipegfreepress.com — Protests against war crimes verdicts add pressure on Kosovo’s ...
- www.nampa.org — Pristina, Sept 25, 2026 (AFP) - Protests spread in Kosovo ...
- prishtinainsight.com — Protests Held Across Kosovo Against Hague Court Verdict on ...
-
Protests Erupt in Kosovo After Hague Court Sentences Thaçi
Public anger over the war crimes conviction and 25-year prison sentence of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has spilled into street demonstrations outside the European Union mission in Kosovo. The international court in The Hague handed down the sentence following proceedings tied to the conflict in Serbia, triggering widespread shock and immediate public pushback across the region. Serbian President Vucic has also criticized the verdict as reactions continue to develop across multiple territories.
Why it matters
Hashim Thaçi served as the former president of Kosovo and a prominent leader during the conflict against Serbia. The ruling from the international court in The Hague represents a significant legal development regarding wartime actions in the region. Reactions to the heavy sentence highlight deep political sensitivities surrounding the historical conflict.
What is confirmed
- Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi was sentenced to 25 years in prison by an international court in The Hague.
- The Hague court convicted Thaçi of war crimes related to the conflict in Serbia.
- Anger over the war crimes sentence has spilled into protests at the Kosovo EU mission.
- Serbian President Vucic criticized the Kosovo war crimes verdict.
What to watch next
- Further demonstrations or security responses at the EU mission in Kosovo
- Official diplomatic reactions from international bodies regarding the sentence
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- The Guardian — Former Kosovo president Thaçi sentenced to 25 years in prison by international court in The Hague – Europe live
- CNN — Hague court convicts Kosovo’s former President Thaci of war crimes, sentences him to 25 years
- dw.com — Shock in Kosovo as Hague convicts former President Thaci
- Euronews.com — Anger over Thaçi war crimes sentence spills into protests at Kosovo EU mission
- The New York Times — Kosovo’s Former Leader Is Sentenced to 25 Years in War Crimes Case
- dw.com — Serbian President Vucic criticizes Kosovo war crimes verdict
- WSJ — Former Kosovo President Sentenced to 25 Years for War Crimes in Serbia Conflict
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community