# Kosovo political and judicial reform developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kosovo-political-and-judicial-reform-developments
> Updated: 2026-09-24T12:34:09.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 2.

Kosovo continues to navigate significant political and legal tensions following a verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, which sentenced four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) to a combined total of 81 years in prison. In Prishtina, protesters have gathered for 12 consecutive nights, using the slogan ‘Not in my name’ to demand that the government take institutional action to defend the dignity of KLA veterans. Demonstrations in support of the former leaders are also occurring in various European cities, including London, Oslo, Geneva, Graz, and Skopje. In Skopje, political leaders such as Ali Ahmeti have characterized the trial as being based on narratives constructed by Belgrade and Moscow. Minister of Justice Donika Gërvalla has addressed allegations of improper collaboration with international bodies such as UNMIK or EULEX, categorically denying any direct or indirect contact with these entities. She has characterized the situation regarding the Kosovo Specialist Chambers as a “legal battle rather than a media debate,” noting that the ministry is focused on preparing for the upcoming appeal phase. Security experts have warned that the current instability and the verdict could be exploited by Serbia to fuel regional hybrid threats and political instability. Parallel to these tensions, the government is advancing a broad legislative agenda. This includes the submission of a bill to establish a State Bureau for the Verification and Confiscation of Unjustified Assets. While the Bureau will act in an analytical capacity rather than possessing direct confiscation powers, the initiative aims to address discrepancies between public officials’ wealth and legal income. Further judicial reforms are underway to regulate the recruitment, evaluation, and integrity of judges and prosecutors, alongside the creation of a Justice Academy.

## Claims

- The Ministry of Justice is preparing for the upcoming appeal process regarding the Special Court's verdict. (disputed by 8 sources)
- The Kosovo Specialised Chambers sentenced four former KLA leaders to a total of 81 years in prison. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- The convicted individuals are Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi were sentenced to 25 years in prison each. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years, and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- KLA veterans organized protests across Kosovo under the slogan ‘Not in my name’ to oppose the Hague court verdict. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Donika Gërvalla denies any cooperation with UNMIK, EULEX, or the Special Court, whether direct or indirect. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- PDK leader Bedri Hamza stated the party will adapt its stance on the presidential election due to new political circumstances. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Kosovo government has submitted a bill to establish a State Bureau for the verification and confiscation of unjustified property. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Protesters in Pristina have held demonstrations for 11 consecutive nights against the Special Court's verdict. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The Constitutional Court set October 6 as the deadline for electing a new president. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Donika Gërvalla stated the Special Court issue is a legal battle rather than a media battle. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: KLA leaders sentenced to 81 years by Special Court sparks Balkan protests

Protests have erupted across Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Europe following the Special Court in The Hague's sentencing of four former KLA leaders to 81 years in prison.

61 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donika-grvalla-denies-collaboration-with-specialist-chambers

### 2026-09-23: Kosovo faces political instability and administrative hurdles

Kosovo faces mounting political and economic pressure as business leaders demand unblocking of public property procedures and politicians call for greater stability ahead of presidential elections.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kosovo-renewable-energy-report-calls-for-policy-reforms-to-attract-private-investment

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Cite as: Kosovo political and judicial reform developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kosovo-political-and-judicial-reform-developments