The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague enters its third day of closing statements in the trial of former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi.

Today, Thaçi’s defense team delivers its final remarks. The former KLA commander faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Kosovo war.

Two days ago, on February 9, Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West demanded a total of 180 years in prison for the four defendants—45 years each. She accused Thaçi of deceiving international actors and urged the court to treat the defense’s claims about the KLA and its leadership with caution.

Yesterday, February 10, victims’ counsel Simos Laws presented his closing statement. He said the former KLA leaders committed crimes but insisted that this does not make the organization itself criminal. Laws stressed that victims suffered mistreatment and still carry deep psychological scars. He expressed hope that their voices will be heard in the judges’ final decision.

Once the closing statements conclude, the case moves to the judges. They have three months to issue a verdict or request more time.

The former KLA leaders deny all charges, calling them baseless.

Thaçi, Veseli, Krasniqi, and Selimi remain in detention in The Hague since November 2020. Their trial began on April 3, 2023—almost three years after the indictment was confirmed.