September to Bring Verdict for Thaçi and Co-Defendants in The Hague; KLA War Veterans’ Organization Voices Expectations and Concerns

Judicial proceedings before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague are expected to enter a decisive phase in September.

On September 16, 2026, the verdict is scheduled to be announced for former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

The KLA War Veterans’ Organization has said it has been waiting for this conclusion for a long time.

Gazmend Syla, a representative of the KLA War Veterans’ Organization, told Telegrafi that the verdict must be based on evidence and facts. He added that the organization’s hope is for an acquittal.

According to Syla, the veterans and his organization have followed the proceedings with great anticipation, as it has now been 6 years since their fellow fighters were placed in detention without a final verdict. He stressed that, although he hopes they will be acquitted, the way the court has operated from its establishment until now has raised doubts within the KLA War Veterans’ Organization.

Syla said there is a fear that the court may not base its decision on evidence and facts, but instead adopt a negative position. According to him, the possibility of political influence on the decision-making process also remains a concern for the organization.

The KLA War Veterans’ Organization representative also mentioned the verdict against two other fellow fighters, who have already been convicted by this court. He assessed that the institution has deviated from the mission for which it was established, recalling that Dick Marty’s report, on the basis of which it was created, is no longer part of the indictment.

Syla said that if the verdict against Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi is based on evidence and facts, they will return to their homes. Otherwise, if the decision is political, the organization believes it will be negative.

The KLA War Veterans’ Organization’s next steps are expected to be determined at a meeting of its leadership, which will be held on August 25.

Syla announced that following the meeting, the public and the media will be informed about the actions the organization will take. Until then, he said, the KLA War Veterans’ Organization has not yet made any decision.