The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague today announced the first-instance verdict for former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, in the trial on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The sentencing hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. and the verdict will be announced separately for each of the four defendants. All have denied the charges.
The trial in The Hague has lasted more than four years and has included the testimony of over 100 people on the part of the Prosecution, while the defense has presented witnesses and arguments in opposition to the charges and claims of responsibility of the defendants.
The prosecution has requested prison sentences for the four former KLA leaders, while the defense has requested that the charges be dropped.
In Kosovo, the announcement of the verdict was greeted with public events in support of the defendants, including a “March for Freedom” in Pristina. Supporters also gathered in The Hague, while Dutch authorities increased security measures near the Specialist Chambers facility.
The first instance verdict does not necessarily end the process. The prosecution and defense have the right to appeal the decision, according to the procedures of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.