The Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans’ Organization (OVL-UÇK), along with the Associations of Former Political Prisoners (SHIL) and Disabled War Veterans (SHFD), have issued a strongly worded statement following the decision by the Specialist Chambers to reject a defense motion filed by the legal teams of former KLA leaders.
In their official reaction, the organizations call the decision disappointing and raise serious concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the court.
“When, in the face of facts, evidence, and procedural violations, even a fair review of the defense motions is denied, it creates the impression of a biased and politically driven process,” the statement reads.
Key Points from the Joint Statement:
- The decision is seen as a negative message for justice.
- The organizations reaffirm that former KLA leaders seek justice, not mercy, and insist on a fair, equal, and historically accurate trial.
- They warn against the risk of the court becoming a tool for rewriting history, rather than serving as a safeguard of justice.
- A call is made to both the public and the international community to resist distorted narratives that undermine the truth of Kosovo’s liberation struggle.
“The KLA and its leaders do not ask for pity, but for a fair trial based on the truth of Kosovo’s fight for freedom. The world knows that the KLA was a liberation force.”
“In the name of all those who sacrificed for Kosovo’s freedom, we will always stand in defense of truth and the rights of our fellow fighters.”
This reaction adds to a growing wave of criticism against the Specialist Chambers, following their decision to uphold the indictments against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi—a move widely seen in Kosovo as undermining trust in international justice mechanisms.
