Kosovo's former president sentenced to 25 years for war crimes
An international court in The Hague convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci of war crimes and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. Thaci was one of four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders convicted in relation to the conflict with Serbia. The verdict has triggered mass protests in Prishtina, including an attack on the European Union representation office. While Serbian President Vucic has criticized the ruling, other figures including singer Dua Lipa have shared content defending the Kosovo Liberation Army.
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- ✓ An international court in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci to 25 years in prison for war crimes.
- ✓ Four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army were convicted of war crimes.
- ✓ Protesters in Prishtina have demonstrated against the verdict.
What changed
The Hague court issued a 25-year prison sentence for Hashim Thaci and convicted three other KLA leaders.
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 and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. Thaci was one of four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders convicted in relation to the conflict with Serbia. The verdict has triggered mass protests in Prishtina, including an attack on the European Union representation office. While Serbian President Vucic has criticized the ruling, other figures including singer Dua Lipa have shared content defending the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Why it matters
The case involves crimes committed during the conflict between the Kosovo Liberation Army and Serbia. This ruling creates diplomatic tension for Western allies who previously supported the KLA leadership.
What is confirmed
- An international court in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci to 25 years in prison for war crimes.
- Four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army were convicted of war crimes.
- Protesters in Prishtina have demonstrated against the verdict.
Still unconfirmed
- Protesters attacked the EU representation office in Prishtina.
- Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld was decorated by Hashim Thaci and called welcoming him to Canada a particular honour.
What to watch next
- Appeals filed by Thaci or the other convicted KLA leaders
- Official responses from the Kosovo government regarding the protests
- Further diplomatic statements from the EU regarding the attack on its Prishtina office
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- Reuters — Kosovo ex-president Thaci faces war crimes verdict in The Hague
- BBC — Former president of Kosovo sentenced to 25 years for war crimes
- 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
- 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
- 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
- www.yahoo.com — Dua Lipa Reposts ‘Freedom Has a Name’ After Four Former KLA Leaders Are Convicted
- www.eurointegration.com.ua — How Kosovo's ex-president was convicted in The Hague and why it has become a problem for the West
- www.junonews.com — SHOCKING: Liberal MP has ties to Kosovo president convicted of war crimes
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