Kosova’s War Veterans Organization is holding a large protest today, August 7, in Prishtina. The protest opposes what organizers call the unfair detention of former Kosova Liberation Army leaders in The Hague.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the head of the organization, Hysni Gucati, announced that the protest will begin at 17:00. According to him, the goal is to demand justice and oppose the legitimacy of the court handling the case.

Xhavit Jashari from the Association of Martyrs’ Families also addressed the media. He stated that the court has no credibility and described the ongoing trial as fundamentally unjust. In his view, the Special Court should never have existed in the first place.

Meanwhile, the vice chair of the veterans’ organization revealed some of the names expected to speak at the protest. University professor Nevenka, organizer Hysni Gucati, BDI chairman Ali Ahmeti, a war comrade, and the son of a fallen soldier will all take the stage.

In addition, the organizers said they have taken every step to ensure the protest runs smoothly. Syla confirmed that they received approval from the Municipality of Prishtina and notified the Kosova Police. He added that an ambulance will be present on site and that free transportation is available by bus for those who wish to join.

Former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi have been held in pre-trial detention in The Hague since November 2020. They face war crimes charges but have pleaded not guilty to all counts. The trial officially began on April 3, 2023.

US envoy for Special Missions, Richard Grenell, recently expressed public support for Hashim Thaçi. He called Thaçi’s continued detention shameful and described The Hague as an institution that simply does not function.

Several political figures and respected religious leaders in Kosovo have voiced support for today’s protest.

/a.p./