Kosovo's ex-President Thaçi convicted of war crimes at Hague court
An international court in The Hague convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci of war crimes, sentencing him to 25 years in prison. Thaci was one of four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army convicted in the case. The verdict triggered widespread shock and anger in Kosovo, leading to mass protests in Prishtina's main square and an attack on the European Union representation office. Some public figures, including singer Dua Lipa, have reacted to the convictions by sharing material defending the KLA.
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- ✓ Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was convicted of war crimes by a court in The Hague.
- ✓ The court sentenced Hashim Thaci to 25 years in prison.
- ✓ Four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army were convicted of war crimes.
- ✓ Protests against the verdict occurred in Prishtina.
What changed
The Hague court issued a formal conviction and a 25-year prison sentence for Hashim Thaci.
Live updates
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Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci Sentenced to 25 Years for War Crimes
An international court in The Hague convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci of war crimes, sentencing him to 25 years in prison. Thaci was one of four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army convicted in the case. The verdict triggered widespread shock and anger in Kosovo, leading to mass protests in Prishtina's main square and an attack on the European Union representation office. Some public figures, including singer Dua Lipa, have reacted to the convictions by sharing material defending the KLA.
Why it matters
The case centers on crimes committed during the Kosovo War. The convictions of former KLA leadership challenge the narrative of the liberation struggle in the region and create diplomatic friction between Kosovo and Western institutions.
What is confirmed
- Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci was convicted of war crimes by a court in The Hague.
- The court sentenced Hashim Thaci to 25 years in prison.
- Four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army were convicted of war crimes.
- Protests against the verdict occurred in Prishtina.
Still unconfirmed
- An attack occurred at the EU representation office in Prishtina following the verdict.
- Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld was decorated by Hashim Thaci and called welcoming him to Canada a particular honour.
- Human rights advocate Fred Abrahams stated Albania's role in war crimes on its territory should be raised.
What to watch next
- Legal appeals filed by Thaci or other convicted KLA leaders.
- Official diplomatic responses from the Kosovo government regarding the Hague sentences.
- Further developments regarding protests at EU missions in Kosovo.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (17)
- Reuters — Kosovo ex-president Thaci faces war crimes verdict in The Hague
- AP News — Kosovo protesters rally in support of ex-president ahead of war crimes trial verdict
- Reuters — Former Kosovo president Thaci sentenced to 25 years in prison for war crimes
- Al Jazeera — Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci convicted of war crimes
- CNN — Hague court convicts Kosovo’s former President Thaci of war crimes, sentences him to 25 years
- The Guardian — Former Kosovo president Thaçi sentenced to 25 years in prison by international court in The Hague – Europe live
- Le Monde.fr — Hashim Thaçi, former Kosovo president, sentenced to 25 years for war crimes
- Euronews.com — Kosovo's ex-President Thaçi convicted of war crimes at Hague court
- 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
- news.ssbcrack.com — Hashim Thaci Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for War Crimes in Kosovo
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