Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) in North Macedonia and one of the co-founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), called the verdict against Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi “unjust and deeply disappointing.”

Ahmeti called for restraint and unity. He also urged people to avoid tensions and divisions following the sentences.

Meanwhile, he stressed that the court acquitted all four former KLA leaders of crimes against humanity. He also noted that earlier allegations of organ trafficking did not form part of the charges in this case.

“These are facts that we should remember whenever someone tries to portray the KLA as a criminal enterprise,” Ahmeti said.

Ahmeti also expressed confidence that the four former KLA leaders would challenge the findings that led to their convictions during the appeals process.

“The process does not end here. We believe the defense will continue the legal battle before the Court of Appeals. It will challenge the first-instance findings and seek justice to the end,” Ahmeti wrote on social media.

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