Thaci Sentenced in Kosovo War Crimes Trial | Little Rock News

Hashim Thaci, Kosovo’s former president, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for war crimes committed during the 1998-99 independence struggle, including murder, torture, and arbitrary detention — charges he actively encouraged and orchestrated. The verdict, delivered by the EU-backed Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, sparked outrage among his supporters and the Kosovo government, who called it a “terrible judgment.” Thousands gathered in Pristina as the sentence was announced, many chanting the name of the Kosovo Liberation Army. Judge Charles Smith emphasized Thaci’s role in targeting political rivals and civilians perceived as collaborators — even those with Serbian ties. Serbia’s President Vucic criticized the ruling, warning of potential appeal success and questioning its fairness toward ethnic Serb victims. Thaci’s co-defendants — Kadri Veseli (18 years), Rexhep Selimi (13 years), and Jakup Krasniqi (25 years) — also received sentences, though three were acquitted of crimes against humanity due to insufficient evidence. Defense lawyers vow to appeal, framing the trial as politically motivated, while the verdict stands as a pivotal moment in post-war Kosovo justice.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/sep/17/ex-kosovo-leader-sentenced-in-war-crimes/

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