James Rubin, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, has stated that Adem Demaçi was the equivalent of Nelson Mandela, due to his decades-long imprisonment and his extraordinary moral authority over Kosovo’s liberation movement.
Rubin made these remarks while testifying, explaining that although he had been asked many questions about Demaçi earlier, he had not mentioned the most important aspect:
“This person had a status in their movement. He was the equivalent of Nelson Mandela, imprisoned for many, many years, and had an extraordinary moral authority over the liberation struggle. The threats were not physical; you used the word threat,” Rubin clarified, responding to questions from Judge Fergal Gaynor, the third judge to question him.
When asked about the structure of the KLA (UÇK), Rubin repeated his earlier statement, stressing that he never saw battalions, brigades, or units within the organization.
“I don’t believe such a military structure existed. From what I saw, nothing led me to think such structures were in place,” Rubin said.
He was also questioned about missing persons during the war, noting that he likely discussed this sensitive issue with Hashim Thaçi and believed that efforts were made regarding the matter.
The questioning concluded with Judge Gaynor, before moving on to further cross-examination by Thaçi’s defense lawyer, Luka Mishetic.
