UÇK leaders trial: Kosovo veterans warn of protests ahead of Hague verdict

UÇK leaders trial Special Court The Hague Kosovo protests Hashim Thaçi Balkan geopolitics

Tensions are rising in the Balkans ahead of the September 16, 2026, final verdict from the Special Court in The Hague regarding former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK). The accused include Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. The Specialist Prosecutor's Office is seeking 45-year prison sentences for each.

In response to the upcoming decision, Kosovo veteran organizations and families of martyrs have called for a massive march on September 12, titled ‘Kosova po Pret’ (Kosovo is Waiting). They have warned of large-scale protests and continued resistance if the court issues a conviction, which they characterize as a political move intended to tarnish the legitimacy of the UÇK.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has expressed concern over the planned march, describing it as a form of pressure and potential violence against the judiciary. Conversely, Kosovar political figures, including PDK Deputy Vlora Çitaku, have dismissed these claims as propaganda, asserting that Belgrade is actually fearful of a verdict that might lead to the acquittal of the former leaders.

Former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson has urged Kosovo's political leadership to maintain institutional stability and to accept the court's verdict peacefully, regardless of the outcome, to avoid internal divisions that could be exploited by regional adversaries.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · Hashim Thaçi · Kosovo · Kosovo Liberation Army · Kosovo Liberation Army Veterans Organization · Specialist Chambers in The Hague · Specialist Prosecutor's Office · The Hague

Claims

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

[○ 1 SOURCE] PDK Deputy Vlora Çitaku argued that Belgrade is more concerned with the court verdict than the planned march. lajmi.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed concern regarding the planned march, characterizing it as pressure on the court. alsat.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The final verdict for former UÇK leaders is expected to be announced on September 16, 2026. alsat.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ismail Tasholli stated that the September 16 verdict could be as historically significant for Kosovo as its independence day. ekonomiaonline.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Former NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson urged Kosovo's leadership to accept the Special Court's verdict peacefully. www.illyria.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Prosecutor's Office has requested 45-year prison sentences for the four former UÇK leaders. alsat.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] The UÇK Veterans Organization warns of large-scale protests if former UÇK leaders are convicted by the Special Court in The Hague. www.lipjaninews.com · gazeta10.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Xhavit Jashari, leader of the Association of Families of UÇK Martyrs, called for mass participation in a march on September 12. zhurnal.mk