The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague today convicted four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders of war crimes and handed down prison sentences.

Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi received a 25-year prison sentence. The Trial Panel found him criminally responsible for war crimes including murder, torture, cruel treatment and unlawful detention committed during the Kosovo war.

Jakup Krasniqi was also convicted of war crimes, including arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture and unlawful killing. The court sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

Meanwhile, Kadri Veseli received an 18-year prison sentence. The Trial Panel found him guilty of war crimes including unlawful or arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture and unlawful killing.

Former Kosovo Assembly member Rexhep Selimi was sentenced to 13 years in prison. The panel found that the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office had proved beyond a reasonable doubt his criminal responsibility for several charges.

The four men faced charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including persecution, imprisonment, torture, murder and enforced disappearance.

All four defendants denied the charges. The prosecution had sought 45-year prison sentences for each of them, while the defence teams had called for acquittals.

Earlier in the proceedings, the Trial Panel acquitted the four former KLA leaders of crimes against humanity. The judgment and sentences announced today represent a first-instance decision. The parties have the right to appeal.

Following the announcement of the verdicts and sentences, the hearing at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague concluded.

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