Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted today to the Hague court’s verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi for war crimes.

In a social media post, Rama described the verdict as “madness.” He also published a photo of a map of Europe surrounded by barbed wire.

“Shame,” Rama wrote.

Meanwhile, the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and Jakup Krasniqi to 25 years in prison each. The court sentenced Kadri Veseli to 18 years and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years.

The court had charged Thaçi, Veseli, Selimi and Krasniqi with crimes against humanity and war crimes, including persecution, murder and torture. All four pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The trial began in April 2023. The four former KLA leaders have remained in detention in The Hague since November 2020.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers issued the first-instance verdict today. The decision drew significant attention in Kosovo and abroad.

Meanwhile, many citizens gathered in squares and streets across Kosovo to await the verdict. They called for the return home of the former KLA leaders, whom they regard as liberators.

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