U.S. Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell has criticized the Hague court following its decision to sentence four former Kosova Liberation Army leaders to a combined 81 years in prison. Grenell described the decision as politically motivated.

In an interview with Albanian television channel Top Channel, Grenell said Kosova did not need a court in the Netherlands to make decisions concerning the country and its people. He argued that Kosova’s institutions and courts should decide matters concerning the country’s future.

Grenell also said he believed the judgment appeared politically influenced. He argued that Kosova should address the situation itself and act in what he described as its own interests.

Meanwhile, Grenell said the next steps should be decided by the prime minister and the Assembly of Kosova. He also said he did not expect the United States, Trump or other external issues to determine the matter. He reiterated his view that Kosova’s courts should handle such cases themselves.

/a.p./