The European Union has called on all parties and actors in Kosovo and the region to show restraint following the verdict against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selim and Jakup Krasniqi.
In a statement to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, EU spokesman Guillaume Mercier said that the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office should be allowed to exercise their mandate without interference.
"Justice must be allowed to take its course – which is especially important for the victims. The authorities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all communities and residents throughout Kosovo," Mercier said.
The EU said it "takes note" of the first-instance judgment and assessed that the Specialist Chambers are administering justice through "fair, impartial and independent" procedures, based on the principle of individual criminal responsibility.
Mercier recalled that convicted persons have the right to appeal the verdict before a special panel of Appeal judges./ REL