Pain in ‘Skënderbeu’ square after the verdict against former KLA leaders

Hundreds of citizens gathered in ‘Skënderbeu’ square in Pristina to follow the announcement of the verdict against former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague via a giant screen.

The Trial Panel found Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi guilty of the criminal offenses specified in the verdict, sentencing them to a total of 81 years in prison.

According to the decision, Hashim Thaçi was sentenced to 25 years in prison, while Jakup Krasniqi was also sentenced to 25 years. Kadri Veseli received 18 years in prison, and Rexhep Selimi 13 years.

The court decided that the time spent in pre-trial detention be credited to the accused towards the duration of the sentence.

After the announcement of the verdict, the square was engulfed in a heavy atmosphere. Many citizens were seen tearful and grieving after hearing the sentences.

The reactions of those present in ‘Skënderbeu’ square are also reflected in the photographs taken by Telegrafi’s photojournalist.

The case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi concerns charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, related to events that occurred from March 1998 to September 1999.

The trial began on April 3, 2023, while the evidence presentation procedures concluded in December 2025.