The European Union has responded to statements by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama following the verdict sentencing former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. Kurti described the judgment as an injustice, while Rama called it “shameful.”
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Christian Wigand, spokesperson for the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that the Kosovo Specialist Chambers administer justice through fair, independent and impartial judicial proceedings.
Wigand said that the EU had taken note of the first-instance judgment in the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. According to him, the proceedings are based on the principle of individual criminal responsibility, while those convicted have the right to appeal the decision before independent appeal judges, in a separate appellate-level trial panel, KosovaPress reports.
The EC spokesperson called on all parties and actors in Kosovo and the region to show restraint. He also stressed the importance of creating a climate free of fear and retaliation, as well as protecting victims and witnesses.
Guillaume Mercier, spokesperson for the European Commission for Enlargement, also referred to the position of European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. He said that the decisions of the Specialist Chambers must be respected and that those convicted have the right to appeal them.
Mercier underlined that the Kosovo Specialist Chambers are an independent and impartial judicial institution. He said that the process concerns individual responsibility and justice for victims and their families from all communities in Kosovo.
He called on regional actors to contribute to healing the wounds of the past, stressing that reconciliation is the path through which the countries of the region can overcome divisions and move toward a shared future in the European Union.
On September 16, the Specialist Court announced its first-instance decision, sentencing Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi to 25 years in prison each, Kadri Veseli to 18 years, and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years.
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