Today marks the second day of closing statements in the trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, former parliamentarians Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi, and former MP Rexhep Selimi at the Hague-based Specialist Chambers.

The prosecution requested 45 years in prison for each defendant. They charged all four with war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors said the defendants played a strong collective role as senior members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) General Staff during the war. Furthermore, they coordinated actions and denied criminal acts to mislead the international community.

Thaçi is one of the KLA’s founders. Prosecutors cited statements from Azem Syla. In addition, they argued that Thaçi misled international actors multiple times. Therefore, the court should treat statements from these actors with caution regarding the KLA, its command, and the role of former commanders.

“They did not know he could make military appointments. Figures like James Rubin and Wesley Clark failed to grasp the reality. In fact, Thaçi could conceal events and shape their understanding. They believed they acted on the right side of history and ignored what this court hears today,” the prosecutor stated.

Prosecutors also argued that Thaçi directly supported the joint criminal intent. For example, they cited his remarks about the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and KLA Communication 53 from September 18, 1998. It warned that deserters, former UDB members, and institutionalists such as Tahir Zemaj would eventually bear responsibility for damage to the people and homeland.

The prosecution emphasized that this message targeted anyone obstructing KLA control. Moreover, they added: “Calling Thaçi’s contributions neutral is absurd. Evidence proves otherwise. His words and actions from questioning and threatening individuals to beating them in Qirez, cannot be considered neutral.”