Decision expected at 10:00: Kosovo, diaspora and The Hague await the verdict

Only a few hours remain until one of the most important and sensitive judicial decisions for Kosovo in the post-war period.

On Wednesday, September 16, starting at 10:00, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will deliver the first-instance verdict against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

The hearing will be public and will be followed live on the official website of the Specialist Chambers, in Albanian, English and Serbian. According to pre-hearing announcements, the delivery of the verdict is expected to last about two hours, until approximately noon.

This duration does not mean the court will read the entire judgment document. In such cases, the presiding judge usually summarizes the main findings and then announces the decision on each count of the indictment and for each accused.

Wednesday’s decision will be a first-instance judgment and, whatever the outcome, the parties will be able to file an appeal.

Supporters gather in The Hague

On Tuesday, citizens from Kosovo and various European countries arrived in The Hague. Footage from the area near the court showed Albanian flags, Kosovo flags and KLA symbols.

Some participants have said they will await the decision overnight near the court building, even in the open air. War veterans’ organizations have announced that citizens from Kosovo and the diaspora are expected to gather in The Hague.

Dutch police forces have increased security measures in the area and have urged those present to stay in designated spaces. As of the evening, no serious incidents have been reported.

Pristina awaits the verdict with “The Night of Waiting”

Preparations have also been made in Pristina to follow the verdict. In the capital, the “Flame of Freedom” has been lit, while citizens have gathered in front of a large screen displaying portraits of Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi.

Participants have said they intend to stay in the square throughout the night. The live broadcast of the hearing from The Hague is expected to be followed jointly from the same location.

Activities in support of the former KLA leaders have been held or announced also in Skenderaj, Mitrovica and other towns. A march was held in Skopje, while political representatives in Albania and diaspora organizations have also expressed support.

Family members and political figures head to The Hague

Among those traveling to The Hague are family members of the accused. Former MP Abelard Tahiri posted footage of his journey together with Endrit Thaçi, the son of Hashim Thaçi.

Vlora Çitaku, Secretary General of PDK, announced from The Hague that she is there to await the decision. It has also been reported that Glauk Konjufca is expected to be present. Representatives of war organizations, former fighters, activists and members of the diaspora have also headed to The Hague.

The court has not published the final list of family members and personalities who will be allowed into the courtroom. Places in its gallery are limited, and entry is only possible for persons registered in advance and with official confirmation.

Charges examined by the Court

Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi are charged with six counts of crimes against humanity and four counts of war crimes. The indictment includes, among others, persecution, imprisonment, torture, unlawful killing and enforced disappearance.

The prosecution claims these acts were committed in several locations in Kosovo and northern Albania, from March 1998 to September 1999.

All the accused have rejected the prosecution’s allegations and pleaded not guilty.

The trial began on April 3, 2023. A total of 134 witnesses testified, of whom 125 were called by the Prosecution, two by the victims’ counsel and seven by the defence teams. The proceedings included 156 victims admitted by the Court. The presentation of evidence concluded in December 2025, and closing statements were given in February 2026.

Awaiting the decisive hour

Family members and supporters hope the verdict will be acquittal, but the outcome of the case will only be known when the Trial Panel formally delivers the judgment.

Meanwhile, the hours before the hearing are marked by waiting, uncertainty and citizen mobilization. In The Hague, Pristina, the Albanian lands and the diaspora, attention is focused on 10:00 on September 16.