Before the Specialized Council of Kosovo in The Hague, the first-instance verdict was pronounced against the former leader of the KLA, Hashim Thaci, by which he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, for several criminal offenses.
The time spent in prison is included in his sentence.
Explaining Thaci’s responsibility, Judge Charles Smith stated that Thaci significantly contributed to the implementation of the common punishable goal and had a key role in formulating and implementing the policy of targeted attacks on persons who were considered opponents of the KLA.
“Thaci participated in the commission of criminal acts and supported them in numerous ways,” said judge Smit.
In addition to Thaci, Jakup Krasnići was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years, and Redžep Selimi to 13 years in prison.
They are accused of war crimes of persecution, illegal imprisonment, torture, murder and enforced disappearance, which resulted in the death of 96 people.
During the reading of the verdict, Judge Smit pointed out that the Court dealt exclusively with the individual responsibility of the accused in this case.
