The American news agency Associated Press (AP) has reported on the protest held today in Pristina, organized by organizations emerging from the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) war, opposing the Special Court in The Hague.
According to AP, Kosovo war veterans held a protest on Thursday against the European Union-backed Special Court, which prosecutes their former comrades-in-arms from the 1998–1999 war for independence from Serbia, arguing that the court is biased and unjust.
The report states that thousands gathered in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, at the main Skanderbeg Square, chanting in support of the arrested former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
The protest was organized by the KLA War Veterans Organization (OVL-UÇK) under the slogan:
“Together Against Injustice. KLA is Glory, Not Indictment. Today the KLA, Tomorrow Our Entire History.”
“No violence was reported,” AP notes.
During the demonstration, posters were seen bearing messages such as “They Are Heroes,” featuring the names of the four former KLA leaders currently on trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, located in The Hague and supported by the EU.
The head of OVL-UÇK, Hysni Gucati, stated at the protest:
“The Special Court is distorting our history and showing injustice toward those who fought for freedom and human dignity.”
AP recalls that since 2020, four high-ranking former KLA leaders have been held in pre-trial detention:
- Former President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi
- Former Parliament Speakers, Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi
- Former MP, Rexhep Selimi
They face charges including murder, torture, and persecution of civilians during and after the war.
Furthermore, AP notes that the court and the associated Prosecutor’s Office were established following a 2011 Council of Europe report, which cited allegations of organ trafficking by KLA members. However, these allegations have not been included in the official indictments.
So far, two former KLA members have been convicted by this court, including Pjetër Shala.
Additionally, Hysni Gucati and another OVL-UÇK official were convicted in the Netherlands for witness intimidation and obstruction of justice.
