Warning from Syla: There are indications of expanded investigations and new arrests from the Special Court

Gazmend Syla, deputy head of the KLA War Veterans’ Organization, has warned that there may be new phases of interviews and arrests after the sentencing of former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army by the Specialist Chambers. He emphasized that these signals do not come directly from the court, but are read indirectly through its recent stances and decision.

In an interview for Tëvë1, Syla said that silence would mean acceptance of a process he considers abnormal. According to him, the Special Court would continue the ‘hunt’ against other persons if there is no opposition. “We have information that investigations may expand and other fellow fighters may be called. Even though we do not receive them directly from the Special Court, their decision leads us to understand that someone else could be invited. They themselves have said that their mandate does not end with the verdict against the leaders. Therefore, every activity we do also serves to protect others from any possible ‘hunt’,” Syla declared.

On September 16, the Specialist Chambers handed down sentences for four former leaders: Hashim Thaçi and Kadri Veseli were sentenced to 25 years in prison each, Jakup Krasniqi to 18 years, and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years. They were found guilty of certain war crimes, while they were acquitted of charges of crimes against humanity. All four have denied the charges and announced they will appeal the decision.

Regarding the initiative of the Democratic Party of Kosovo to proceed in the Assembly with the draft law to amend the law on the Specialist Chambers, Syla said that actions must be taken and silence is not an option. “Whether with protests or with legal actions like this one from the PDK, we must not accept this decision as normal. Silence means acceptance,” he stressed.

He added that the KLA War Veterans’ Organization had also planned a similar legal initiative, but now is leaving it to the PDK and the deputies to push it forward, provided there is institutional agreement. “We had foreseen such a thing, but since the PDK started it, let it continue. I believe the state can do the job properly if there is cooperation,” Syla concluded.

Meanwhile, PDK chairman Bedri Hamza announced on Monday that his party’s parliamentary group has submitted to the Assembly the draft law to amend and supplement the law regulating the Special Court in The Hague.