A major war-crimes case involving former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and three former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commanders is reaching its conclusion at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The court has officially scheduled the first-instance verdict for September 16, 2026.
Thaçi, along with Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, faces charges including persecution, murder, torture and enforced disappearance allegedly committed during and after the 1998–1999 Kosovo War. All four have denied the charges. Prosecutors are seeking sentences of up to 45 years.
The verdict is being closely watched in Kosovo, where the former KLA leaders remain influential and are viewed by many as heroes of the country’s independence struggle. Thousands of supporters recently gathered in Pristina ahead of the ruling. Kosovo authorities have also increased security preparations around the verdict.
The case could have significant political and social consequences for Kosovo and its relationship with Serbia. The ruling is scheduled to be delivered in The Hague on Wednesday, September 16, at 10 a.m. CET.
News as Reported.
