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KLA leaders sentenced to prison by Specialized Kosovo Court
The Specialized Kosovo Court in The Hague has issued prison sentences to four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison, while Kadri Veseli received 18 years and Rexhep Selimi was sentenced to 13 years. The defendants were found guilty of war crimes, including unlawful detention, cruel treatment, torture, and murder, but were acquitted of crimes against humanity as the court found no evidence of a systematic attack against civilians.
The verdict has triggered widespread protests in Kosovo, with thousands of citizens gathering nightly in Prishtina's Skënderbe Square to express opposition to the ruling. Protesters have called for increased government support for the legal defense of the former leaders and have demanded changes to the law governing the Specialized Court.
In response to the unrest, the Kosovo Police have deployed resources to manage traffic and maintain public order, specifically addressing reports of dangerous driving by masked individuals during protests. Police have denied social media claims that citizens are being targeted or punished for displaying KLA symbols, stating that interventions are strictly due to legal violations and safety concerns.
Entities
Hashim Thaçi · Jakup Krasniqi · Jarinje · Kadri Veseli · Kneževo Berdo · Kosovo Police · Leposaviq · Prishtina · Prizren · Rexhep Selimi · Specialist Chambers in The Hague · Specialized Kosovo Court
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Stolen items included a vehicle, a motocultivator, three generators, and other tools.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The theft occurred while the homeowner was abroad.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The suspects confessed to committing the crime during interrogation.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Four of the suspects were ordered to be held in custody for 48 hours.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police recovered the stolen vehicle, motocultivator, and other equipment and returned them to the owner.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kosovo Police arrested five suspects for serious theft in the Leposaviq area.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The total value of the stolen goods was approximately 6,000 euros.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The stolen items were taken from a home in the village of Kneževo Berdo.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The defense has until September 22 to contest the commencement of the victim compensation procedure. teve1.info · zhurnal.mk
- [● 5 SOURCES] Jakup Krasniqi was sentenced to 25 years in prison. hercegovina.in · www.gazetakosova.net
- [● 7 SOURCES] The legal verdict against the individuals does not affect the legal status of Kosovo's independence. www.topalbaniaradio.com · tvprizreni.net · veriu.info · www.gazetakosova.net · hercegovina.in
- [● 6 SOURCES] Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years in prison. hercegovina.in · ntv.al · www.gazetakosova.net