Kosovo protests Hague war crimes convictions

Thousands in Kosovo protest war crimes verdicts by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Protests follow convictions of four former KLA leaders for 1998-1999 war crimes. Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli, and Rexhep Selimi found guilty of arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture, and murder. Crimes committed April 1998 to June 1999 in Kosovo and Albania. Thaçi and Krasniqi received 25 years; Veseli, 18; Selimi, 13 years in prison. EU-backed court, established 2015, investigates 1998-2000 war crimes and crimes against humanity. Many in Kosovo view verdicts as unjust, asserting the KLA fought for independence against Serbian oppression. Protesters argue trials target their wartime struggle and national identity, not individual actions, seeking acquittal and mandate changes. Prosecution maintains trials focus on individual criminal responsibility, not KLA's overall war effort. Convictions involved crimes against 385 individuals: Kosovo Albanians perceived as political opponents or collaborators, Serbs, and Roma. Protests in Pristina and The Hague pressure Kosovo's government. Kosovo's parliament called verdicts "unacceptable," reflecting widespread sentiment as conflict's legacy remains sensitive. Analysts suggest rallies used for political reasons, complicating the domestic scene. Government faces demands to limit Chambers' jurisdiction, provide financial support for defendants during appeals. International community, including EU, emphasizes accountability for wartime crimes, rule of law.