Germany: Verdict was not a judgment against the KLA and does not absolve Yugoslav actors of responsibility

Germany’s ambassador to Kosovo, Reiner Rudolph, has responded to the verdict against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, clarifying that the proceedings did not focus on the Kosovo Liberation Army or its goal of establishing an independent state.

He referred to the statement by the presiding judge during the delivery of the verdict, according to which neither the KLA itself nor its objective of an independent Kosovo was on trial.

Rudolph also stressed that the verdict does not absolve Yugoslav actors of responsibility for the armed conflict and the massive human rights violations committed against the people of Kosovo.

According to his response, the verdict against the four former KLA leaders does not alter responsibility for the crimes committed against the people of Kosovo in the late 1990s.

The ambassador emphasized that the verdict in no way exonerates Yugoslav actors for the armed conflict and the widespread human rights violations inflicted on the people of Kosovo in the late 1990s. According to the statement, these cases have already been investigated by international courts and led to the intervention of the international community.

Germany’s diplomatic representative said that Berlin has supported the work of the Specialist Chambers from the outset, noting that their work plays an important role in addressing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

He added that the court’s work contributes to strengthening the rule of law and bringing Kosovo closer to the European Union.

According to Rudolph, by establishing the Specialist Chambers and cooperating with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Kosovo has demonstrated that it is fulfilling its responsibilities as an independent and sovereign state, including addressing war crimes.

The German ambassador called on all parties to respect the verdict and to show respect for the dignity of the victims.

His response followed the decision by the Specialist Chambers, which found Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi guilty of the war crimes of unlawful or arbitrary arrest and detention, cruel treatment, torture and unlawful killing.

Thaçi and Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison, Veseli to 18 years and Selimi to 13 years. The first-instance judgment may be appealed.