Richard Grenell, the special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, commented on the ongoing developments at the Kosovo Specialist Court.
When asked whether the U.S. government would recognize a potential conviction of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, Grenell expressed his continued faith in the justice system, emphasizing that judges would focus on evidence rather than politics.
“I still have faith in the justice system that those hearing the evidence will not act politically. Look at the evidence, and I truly encourage people to listen to what the indictment against Thaçi says.”
Grenell stressed the need to resolve what he called a “mess” of politically motivated criminal prosecutions and voiced hope that judges would dismiss unfounded charges.
He called on Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and President Vjosa Osmani to support Thaçi — not to protect him personally, but to defend Kosovo’s sovereignty.
“I think President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti can do something, not to help Hashim Thaçi as an individual but to help Kosovo. This concerns restoring Kosovo’s sovereignty by handling judicial matters domestically.”
Grenell also advocated for Kosovo’s own judiciary to take responsibility rather than relying on international judges, urging the appointment of Kosovar judges to demonstrate the country’s capacity to deliver justice.
Importantly, Grenell warned that political prosecutions are dangerous and called for their rejection, reminding that:
“Today it’s Hashim Thaçi; tomorrow it could be them. I urged Albin Kurti and President Osmani to do more to protect Kosovo from these political prosecutions, and to establish a system that shields them — whether in America or Kosovo.”
