On Thursday, the Special Court carried out a series of arrests targeting individuals involved in the 1990s Kosovo-Serbia conflict.

Faton Klinaku, the President of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) War Veterans Organization (OVL-UÇK), confirmed to local media the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Hajredin Kuçi and former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA), Bashkim Smakaj.

Just months after his conditional release, former mayor of Mališevo, Isni Kilaj, was arrested. Shortly afterward, Fadil Fazliu, a KLA fighter and brother of two national heroes, was detained near his home.

The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) announced that these arrests are part of an ongoing investigation focused on crimes “against the administration of justice.”

The arrests of Kilaj and Fazliu were confirmed by their sons. Blend Kilaj told local media, “My father was arrested today around 07:00 AM. We have no information on why this arrest occurred again. He was taken to the EULEX offices for transfer to The Hague.”

Fahri Fazliu wrote on social media, “Today, around 8:00 AM, my father, Fadil Fazliu, a KLA fighter and brother of national heroes Fahri and Bahri Fazliu, was arrested in front of his home. By order of the Specialized Chambers in The Hague, he was arrested and is expected to be transferred there. Proud of our glorious past, always with head held high! Proud of you, Bablok!”

Kilaj, a former KLA commander, was arrested in November 2023 for allegedly obstructing “officials in the performance of their duties” related to justice. He was transferred to the detention unit of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers on November 3, 2023. In May 2024, Kilaj was released, and in July, the SPO submitted an amended indictment.

Meanwhile, the Specialist Chambers is holding a court session today with former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi, who are facing trial for war crimes charges.

/k.s/