KLA Veterans warn of political risks ahead of Hague verdict

KLA leaders Specialist Chambers The Hague Kosovo Veterans Organization Hashim Thaçi

The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) Veterans Organization (OVL-KLA) has issued an urgent appeal to the European Union and foreign ambassadors regarding the upcoming verdict at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Hysni Gucati, chairman of the OVL-KLA, accused international diplomats of engaging in a 'dirty political game' by suggesting that a first-instance conviction on September 16 could be mitigated by a future appeal.

Gucati warned that an initial conviction would cause immediate and irreparable damage to Kosovo's international standing and legitimacy. He expressed concern that Serbia would exploit such a verdict in international forums, including the United Nations, to link the KLA's war of liberation to organized crime. The veterans' organization further criticized the Special Court, alleging it has lacked independence and has instead served Serbian interests and narratives.

In response to the high-stakes legal proceedings involving former leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti expressed confidence that the KLA's struggle was a legitimate war of liberation against an occupier. Meanwhile, KFOR has stated it is maintaining readiness to ensure security in Kosovo, and the U.S. Embassy has advised citizens to avoid areas of potential large-scale protests.

Entities

European Union · Hashim Thaçi · Hysni Gucati · Kosovo Liberation Army · Kosovo Liberation Army Veterans Organization · Serbia · Specialist Chambers · Specialist Chambers in The Hague

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Hysni Gucati accused international diplomats of playing a 'dirty political game' regarding the upcoming verdict for former KLA leaders. www.gazetakosova.net · abcnews.al · kosovapost.net · telegrafi.com · atvlive.tv
[● 11 SOURCES] A verdict is expected to be announced on September 16 in The Hague. abcnews.al · kosovapost.net · telegrafi.com · www.gazetakosova.net · atvlive.tv · +4 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Gucati claims Serbia would exploit a verdict linking the KLA war to organized crime in international forums like the UN. abcnews.al · kosovapost.net · telegrafi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] A first-instance conviction on September 16 could cause immediate damage to Kosovo's international standing, even if later overturned on appeal. abcnews.al · kosovapost.net · telegrafi.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The Kosovo Veterans Organization (OVL-KLA) criticizes the Special Court for lacking independence and serving Serbian interests. www.gazetakosova.net · telegrafi.com · atvlive.tv · www.albinfo.ch