Ali Ahmeti: Verdict against former KLA leaders is unjust, legal battle continues on appeal

DUI leader Ali Ahmeti has reacted to the Court’s verdict concerning Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi, describing it as unjust and deeply disappointing.

He called on citizens to remain calm and united, stressing that the judicial proceedings have not yet concluded. According to him, the defence will continue its legal battle before the Court of Appeal.

Ahmeti stated that the KLA’s war was a war for freedom and that Kosovo’s past cannot be rewritten.

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I consider today’s verdict against Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi to be unjust and deeply disappointing.

In the face of this grave situation, I call on everyone to show restraint and unity. We must not allow any attempt to incite tensions, division or damage the image of the Kosovo people’s liberation war.

The KLA was created in response to oppression and fought for Kosovo’s liberation. Allegations of organ trafficking, which for years weighed heavily on the KLA and its leaders, did not result in charges in this process. Furthermore, today the Court acquitted the defendants of crimes against humanity and stressed that the KLA’s aim had been Kosovo’s independence, an objective that was achieved. These facts must be remembered whenever anyone tries to portray the KLA as a criminal enterprise.

Thaçi, Krasniqi, Veseli and Selimi were accused of responsibility for a number of alleged crimes during 1998-1999. We believe that these accusations, too, will be dismissed as the judicial process continues, just as the previous allegations of organ trafficking did not materialise.

This case does not end with today’s verdict. The defence is expected to continue its legal battle before the Court of Appeal, where it will challenge the first-instance findings and seek justice to the very end.

The KLA’s war was a war for freedom. Kosovo’s history cannot be changed, and the sacrifice of an entire people cannot be put in the dock.

With faith in justice, the battle continues on appeal!