Pula: The KLA represents a decisive chapter in Kosovo’s history

Justina Pula, president of the Kosovo Academy of Sciences and Arts, has reacted to the convicting verdict handed down by the Specialist Chambers in The Hague against four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

In a post published on Facebook, Pula stressed that the decision calls for reflection not only on the conclusion of the judicial process, but also on the nature, mandate and functioning of the Specialist Chambers.

“The latest decision against four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army obliges us to reflect not only on the judicial verdict, but also on the very nature, mandate and functioning of the Specialist Chambers,” she wrote.

According to Pula, the KLA is part of a decisive period in the country’s history. She emphasized that the prosecution of individuals should not turn into a general judgment of a movement, a historical period or a people’s aspiration for freedom.

“Respect for the law and legal procedures does not exclude the right to institutional criticism. On the contrary, in a democratic society, the legitimacy of justice institutions is strengthened through transparency, accountability and reasoned public debate. The Kosovo Liberation Army is part of a decisive chapter of our history. Criminal proceedings against individuals should not turn into a general judgment of a movement, a historical period or a people’s aspiration for freedom,” Pula wrote.