Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali reacted today to developments at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The Prosecution presented proposed sentences against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi.

First, Spiropali highlighted the length of pre-trial detention. The defendants have spent more than five years in custody without a final verdict. As a result, she raised concerns about proportionality, due process, and human rights.

Next, she warned of a growing perception of one-sided justice. In particular, she compared the case with the treatment of crimes committed by the Serbian regime.

Moreover, Spiropali said many crimes against Kosovo civilians remain unpunished. Therefore, she argued, this imbalance creates double standards and weakens trust in international justice.

At the same time, she stressed that international justice must be impartial. It must remain balanced and evidence-based. Above all, it must avoid selective approaches.

Furthermore, Spiropali cautioned that justice perceived as biased harms public confidence. Consequently, it risks opening new wounds in a region that needs lasting reconciliation.

In addition, she described the Kosovo Liberation Army as a liberation movement. It enjoyed broad international support. It faced a regime that carried out systematic violence, ethnic cleansing, and well-documented crimes.

Equally important, she underlined the need to separate individual criminal responsibility from the historical character of the war for freedom.

Meanwhile, Spiropali said the Court carries a special responsibility. It must ensure that the prosecution’s language does not harm the liberation struggle, Kosovo’s history, or the dignity of those who fought.

For this reason, she said only a fair and evidence-based ruling can remove the shadow over a just war.

Finally, Spiropali reaffirmed Albania’s position. Justice must serve truth and reconciliation. It must not rewrite history or relativize established responsibilities for war crimes.

In conclusion, she called for proceedings to end within a reasonable timeframe. She stressed full respect for international fair-trial standards. Kosovo’s future and regional stability, she said, depend on credible justice that strengthens peace.

She added that Albania will continue to follow the process closely. The country remains committed to the rule of law, international justice, and the dignity of Kosovo’s liberation struggle.

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