Former Kosovo Police Inspectorate chief Valdet Hoxha has described the security measures being taken by the Kosovo Police ahead of the expected Kosovo Specialist Chambers verdict in The Hague as normal and necessary.
Speaking on Klan Kosovo’s “Special Edition” program, Hoxha said the ruling expected in The Hague could have implications not only for Kosovo but also for conflicts and political developments elsewhere in the region and beyond.
He said the preparations by the Kosovo Police, as well as recent calls from the U.S. Embassy, should not be interpreted as signs of an imminent emergency, but rather as practical measures designed to address any situation involving large public gatherings and heightened emotions.
“As someone familiar with these circumstances and based on my professional experience, I can say that these measures are very practical, necessary and normal,” Hoxha said.
He stressed that the Kosovo Police should have a clear operational plan to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background.
“The Kosovo Police will not be forgiven if it does not have an operational plan to protect the lives of all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, regardless of whether they are Albanian, Serb, Gorani, Egyptian or otherwise,” Hoxha said.
Hoxha added that emotional reactions should be expected regardless of whether the verdict is acquittal or conviction.
He also warned that the developments surrounding the ruling could be exploited politically by various actors in the region, making effective security planning and calm public responses particularly important.
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers are expected to issue a verdict in the case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.
