Closing statements in the trial of former KLA leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity will begin on February 9 and continue until February 18, 2026.
From February 9 to 18, the Specialist Chambers will hear the final statements of the prosecution and defense teams in what is the largest case handled by the Specialist Chambers to date.
- Monday and Tuesday: Closing statements by the Office of the Specialist Prosecutor and the Victims’ Counsel.
- Wednesday: Defense closing statements of former President Hashim Thaçi and former Parliament Speaker Kadri Veseli.
- Thursday: Defense closing statements of Rexhep Selimi.
- Friday: Defense closing statements of former Parliament Speaker Jakup Krasniqi.
On February 17, coinciding with Kosovo’s 18th birthday, the NGO “Liria ka Emër” (Freedom Has a Name) has announced a peaceful march in Pristina to show support for the four accused in The Hague. The organization is calling on citizens to participate in what it calls “the largest march our country has ever seen”, describing it as a peaceful, dignified, and inclusive march for justice, not politics—not against anyone, but for the dignity of Kosovo and respect for the sacrifices on which its freedom was built, said NGO director Ismail Tasholli.
The indictment by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi contains ten charges, relating to crimes committed during the period March 1998 – September 1999.
This marks the final stage of the lengthy trial, as Kosovo and the international community await a historic conclusion in the case of the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).
