Veterans and former comrades of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) leaders have announced that they will not remain idle in response to what they call “injustices being done to them by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague,” and that they will soon meet to discuss further steps to seek justice for the former UÇK leaders.
From OVL-UÇK, the organization representing former fighters, officials expressed confidence that the accused would be acquitted and warned of possible actions in the coming days.
Accusations Against the Prosecution
Hysni Gucati, head of OVL-UÇK, accused the prosecution of using, throughout the trial, what he described as “lies, slander, and fabrications” aimed at portraying the UÇK as a criminal organization.
“We, as an association formed from the war, have been waiting for the end. The prosecution has lied, slandered, and manipulated traumatized individuals, even those who collaborated with Serbia. They used every method to portray the Kosovo Liberation Army as a criminal organization,” Gucati said in an interview with Ekonomia Online.
He emphasized that the trial is not only about individuals but represents an attempt to judge the entire UÇK and the state of Kosovo itself.
“I strongly believe, first in God and then in justice, that they will not win this case. This case cannot be won with lies and fabrications… They are trying to label the entire Kosovo Liberation Army and our state as criminals, which is the greatest shame in the world,” he said.
Defense of the UÇK
Gucati praised the final statements of the accused, calling them a powerful defense of Kosovo and the UÇK struggle.
He strongly rejected claims that UÇK fighters are criminals, insisting they fought for their country and that the court is attempting to rewrite Albanian history, which he believes will not succeed:
“They want to call the collaborators of Adem Jashari criminals? That’s impossible. Our people fought for Kosovo, for their homes, and for their nation. We did not commit massacres; Serbia did. The UÇK fought to protect its people.”
Plans for Further Action
Gucati stated that veteran associations will not remain idle and will soon meet to discuss next steps following the February 17 protest in Prishtina, which drew over 100,000 participants in support of the accused:
“We will take action, but we haven’t yet decided the date or form. The veteran associations will meet soon to discuss the next steps,” he said.
He also expressed hope that judges would deliver a just verdict, noting that the UÇK fought on its own territory, not in Serbia, and that their actions were for the protection of the people of Kosovo.
Trial Conclusion
The trial against former UÇK leaders—Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi—at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague concluded on February 18, 2026.
- Defense teams argued there was no evidence of guilt, requesting acquittal.
- Victim representatives stated they were not obligated to prove accusations.
- The accused maintained their complete innocence, defending the UÇK’s fight as legitimate and necessary to liberate their people.
Presiding Judge Charles Smith III subsequently closed the case.
The final hearing followed a large public gathering in Prishtina, held on the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, in support of the UÇK leaders and calling for fair justice.
