Over 220 requests, only 80 people allowed in courtroom for verdict against former KLA leaders

Only 80 people will be able to watch from the public gallery the pronouncement of the verdict against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, scheduled for September 16 at the Specialist Court. Over 220 requests have been submitted to be present in the courtroom, so the rest of those interested will have to follow the decision through the court’s broadcast.

Of the total number of places, 40 seats have been set aside for the close family members of the former KLA leaders, while another 40 have been allocated to media representatives. This means that not all applicants will have the opportunity to follow the final decision against the four accused in real time from the courtroom.

The Specialist Chambers, in a response to RTK, have announced that a total of 80 people have been accredited in the public gallery. Among the media that have received accreditation are 17 international, 16 from Kosovo, 4 from Albania and 3 from Serbia.

As September 16 approaches, a countdown has begun in Kosovo for the day when the historic decision on the former KLA leaders is expected. Legal experts have expressed optimism, saying they expect an acquittal.

Lawyer Skender Musa stated that, in his assessment, the court has no way to find them guilty. However, he stressed that it should not be forgotten that international courts, including the Specialist Court in The Hague, although the latter is based on Kosovo’s legislation, operate on foreign territory and depend on the political wills of major powers. Musa said that, if there is no political influence, he strongly believes that September 16 will be a holiday in Kosovo.

Fellow fighters of Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi and Selimi share similar expectations. They hope the process will end with their release and demand that the court’s decision-making remain uninfluenced by political factors.

OVL UÇK deputy chairman Fatmir Sopi said they expect their release from all charges that he described as fabricated in this process. He thanked the president and his comrades for, as he put it, the undeserved sacrifice they have made to prove and clear the image of the KLA, emphasizing that it was a sound military and political force, fought for the country’s freedom and did no harm to anyone.

With less than three weeks left until the verdict is announced, preparations have already begun in Kosovo for the possible reception of Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi and Selimi.

In Pristina, the organization of a support march under the slogan “Kosovo is waiting” has also been announced. In terms of international justice, September 16 is expected to be one of the most important days for Kosovo.