Leave or we will intervene by force” – police appeal near the Special Court on the eve of the verdict for former KLA leaders

Only a few hours remain until the announcement of the judicial verdict for former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, as security measures in The Hague have been significantly strengthened.

Law enforcement forces overseeing the area around the Special Court in The Hague have issued a warning to citizens present there, ordering them to leave the building.

Via a loudspeaker communication, the authorities have stated that in case of non-compliance with this order, they will be forced to apply coercive measures.

“The police order you to leave the Tribunal building. Otherwise, we will use force,” was the exact wording of the official message.

These developments are taking place in the moments leading up to the reading of the judgment for Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi.

According to the announcement of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, the session where the verdict will be announced is scheduled for today, September 16, starting at 10:00 a.m. Hague local time. The session will be open to the public and will also be broadcast online.

The four former KLA commanders face allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. They have categorically rejected these charges, pleading not guilty.

Telegrafi is providing live coverage from The Hague of all events before and during the judgment announcement process.