Former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commander of the Nerodime operational zone, Shukri Buja, recently confirmed that the Special Prosecutor’s Office has officially closed all investigations against him. In an interview with RTK, Buja emphasized the necessity of consistently countering the prosecution’s claims and advocating for justice.
Buja asserted that the KLA fought a legitimate and righteous liberation war against an occupier, urging support for former KLA leaders currently facing trial in The Hague. Reflecting on his own five-year legal battle, he described the process as part of his lifelong struggle for Kosovo’s freedom.
Legal Battle Triumph as a Victory for the KLA
Standing in his hometown of Lipjan, Buja expressed his relief and joy following the dismissal of all charges, calling it a triumph for the entire KLA effort. “Our legal battle will be won when our leaders are declared innocent. It was difficult to sit in a courtroom with them, but the knowledge that we ourselves established the Special Court motivated me. Our own parliamentary vote created this court, and now international actors are enforcing it based on our laws,” Buja stated.
He stressed the need to refute the prosecution’s narrative. “We have to prove that our struggle was justified and that our war was a legitimate fight for liberation,” he added.
Buja expressed uncertainty about the level of state support, pointing out that the financial aid has been minimal. He detailed the difficulties faced during the conflict, including the lack of NATO-standard military resources. “I provided the court with evidence that we lacked a professional army, logistics, and financial means. We fought with limited resources directly against a well-armed enemy,” Buja explained.
After five challenging years, Buja now anticipates this year’s November celebrations with renewed emotion, savoring the closure of the case as a personal and collective victory.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office has closed its investigation into Buja due to insufficient evidence. His case marks the first instance of a war crimes investigation concluded without charges, a significant milestone in the legal proceedings involving KLA figures.
Upcoming Week to Feature Four Hearings in KLA Leaders’ Trial
Following a one-week break, the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders will resume next week, with four consecutive hearings scheduled. The case, titled Thaçi and Others, will be heard at the Special Court in The Hague from Monday to Thursday, beginning each day at the usual time of 9:00 AM.
Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi will face the judicial panel for the 171st time since their arrest in November 2020. The proceedings mark a crucial phase in a trial that has been ongoing for nearly four years.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) still has 43 witnesses left to present. Earlier this month, it was announced that 12 witnesses initially slated to testify would no longer be called
