The Special Court for Kosovo is set to issue an order today for the compensation of victims involved in the war crimes case of Pjetër Shala. The ruling is part of the ongoing legal proceedings related to the detention and abuse of individuals during the 1999 Kosovo conflict. The court session, which begins at 11:00 AM, will address the compensation process for the victims, eight of whom are expected to participate under protective measures.
Pjetër Shala, previously convicted of war crimes including arbitrary detention, torture, and illegal killings, was sentenced to 18 years in prison on July 16, 2024. The trial was related to actions carried out during the Kosovo War, specifically between May 17 and June 5, 1999, at the former Metal Factory in Kukës, Albania. Shala’s defense team has appealed both the conviction and sentence, continuing to challenge the findings of the court.
According to the Special Court, the crimes took place at the Kukës Metal Factory, which served as a headquarters for the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during the war. The factory, located in northern Albania, was used for recruitment, logistics, and other military operations. However, it was also used to detain, interrogate, and abuse individuals suspected of having ties to Serbian authorities or not fully supporting the KLA’s cause.
While the exact number of individuals detained at the facility during the relevant period remains unclear, estimates suggest that around 40 people, including three women, were held there under inhumane conditions. The detainees were subjected to inadequate food, water, medical care, and hygiene. Additionally, they were not informed of the reasons for their detention, nor were they allowed to challenge the legality of their imprisonment.
The court’s decision to compensate victims follows a comprehensive evaluation of their testimonies and the inhumane conditions they endured. These developments underline the continuing importance of holding individuals accountable for war crimes and ensuring justice for the victims of such violations.
The upcoming victim compensation order reflects the court’s broader mandate to address the aftermath of the Kosovo War, focusing not only on the perpetrators but also on ensuring that the victims’ rights and suffering are properly acknowledged and compensated.
