Hamza: September 16 Must Bring Justice and the Return of the Four Former KLA Leaders

The president of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Bedri Hamza, has responded to the trial of the former KLA leaders in The Hague, noting that 30 days remain until September 16, when the verdict is expected to be announced.

According to Hamza, that date should mark the end of six years of pretrial detention for Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi.

“Today, we are 30 days away from September 16, the day when the unjust six-year process that has kept Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi isolated in The Hague will come to an end,” Hamza wrote.

He stressed that the four former KLA leaders have spent a long period in pretrial detention, separated from their families and from Kosovo.

“Six years in pretrial detention. Six years away from their families and Kosovo. Six years of facing prejudice, agendas, political narratives, rights violations and numerous injustices,” he stated.

The PDK leader emphasized that neither his position nor that of the party he leads has changed, while the demand remains justice and the release of the four former KLA leaders.

“Our expectations and demands are clear: justice and release,” Hamza said.

Hamza stated that September 16 should serve as the conclusion of this chapter and as the day Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi and Selimi return to Kosovo.

“After six years, September 16 should be the day this painful chapter for our freedom, independence and state-building comes to a close. It should be the day the four former KLA leaders return home,” he wrote.

At the end of his response, the PDK leader reiterated that 30 days remain until the court’s decision, linking the wait to the demand for justice.

“We will wait another 30 days. We await justice,” Hamza concluded.