The Organization of Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVL-UÇK) has strongly condemned the decision of the Appeals Chamber of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague regarding former KLA commander Pjetër Shala.
In an official statement, OVL-UÇK expressed deep dissatisfaction with the verdict, calling the reduction of Shala’s sentence unjust and politically motivated.
“Even though the sentence has been reduced, we firmly expected an acquittal because we believe in the innocence of our comrades and in our just war for liberation,” the statement reads.
According to the organization, the ruling does not end an injustice but rather deepens it.
“This judgment, instead of closing a chapter of injustice, only strengthens our belief that this court operates with a political agenda and does not uphold justice on equal and impartial grounds,” they stated further.
The veterans emphasized that the KLA needs no defense from the truth, asserting that the historical truth is on their side.
“The KLA doesn’t need to be defended from the truth. The historical truth is with us, and no one will trample on our comrades with politically motivated trials.”
The statement ends with a resolute message: “Freedom is not judged — it is respected.”
