TIRANA, September 4 – The Organization of War Veterans of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) has warned of major protests if former KLA leaders on trial in The Hague receive guilty verdicts.

The organization’s deputy chairman, Gazmend Syla, told KosovaPress that veterans expect the former leaders to return to Kosova acquitted. He said the organization would continue protests and advocacy regardless of the verdict.

Syla said he believes the defendants would be acquitted if the verdict relies on evidence. However, he raised concerns about possible political influence on the decision. He also said the organization has repeatedly raised concerns with international representatives about the proceedings and alleged violations of defendants’ rights.

Meanwhile, Syla said the organization’s protests in Kosova and abroad had helped raise public awareness of The Hague proceedings. He criticised Kosova’s institutions for what he described as insufficient action to defend the defendants’ rights.

The organization has held protests in Kosova, Albania, North Macedonia, The Hague and Strasbourg. It plans another protest on September 12, ahead of the final verdict. Supporters are also expected to gather outside the court on the day of the decision.

On Wednesday, former Alliance for the Future of Kosova leader Ramush Haradinaj visited the veterans’ organization and said he expected the former KLA leaders to return to Kosova. On Friday, associations representing KLA martyrs’ families and KLA war invalids will hold a news conference to present their plans ahead of the verdict.

Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi have been in detention in The Hague since November 2020. They face charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes linked to March 1998-September 1999. All four have pleaded not guilty.

The court is expected to issue its verdict on September 16, 2026, at 10:00.

/a.p./