Pierre Richard Prosper, lead defense lawyer for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, reacted after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced Thaçi to 25 years in prison.

Prosper said the court had rewritten history. He also said the defense would appeal the verdict.

“The decision represents a miscarriage of justice,” Prosper said. He argued that the court presented a version of history that, in his view, did not match the evidence heard during the trial.

Prosper pointed to testimony from General Wesley Clark, James Rubin, Chris Hill and other witnesses. He said these witnesses had direct experience on the ground during the Kosovo war.

“They made clear that Hashim Thaçi was not in charge. They made clear that the KLA consisted of regional commanders who controlled their own areas,” Prosper said.

He argued that the court instead presented the KLA as an organized structure and placed overall responsibility on Thaçi.

Meanwhile, Prosper said the defense would continue the legal battle through the appeals process.

“This battle will continue. We will appeal,” he said. Prosper also criticized the verdict as a serious setback for international justice.

He questioned the future of international tribunals. He argued that states would hesitate to support such proceedings if courts ignored defense arguments and accepted the prosecution’s case without sufficient scrutiny.

Prosper also called on NATO, the U.S. State Department and other governments to examine the verdict closely.

He particularly criticized the court’s assessment of the KLA’s role in the Kosovo war. Prosper argued that the ruling could affect how the international community views NATO’s involvement in the conflict.

Prosper said he had spoken with Thaçi after the verdict. According to his lawyer, Thaçi appreciated the public support and understood that the legal battle would continue.

“He is ready to do whatever is necessary to continue the battle – to fight for himself, for Kosovo and for the people of Kosovo,” Prosper said.

He also criticized the court for saying that it acted on behalf of the people of Kosovo.

Prosper said the defense would continue to challenge the verdict. He also called on Kosovo’s institutions to review their relationship with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.

“The next step is to appeal this decision. But Kosovo should also examine this issue. The Assembly of Kosovo should examine it,” Prosper said.

He argued that the court had damaged its partnership with Kosovo. He said Kosovo lawmakers should decide how to respond.

At the same time, Prosper acknowledged that the appeals process could take considerable time. He said the defense hoped the appeals court would examine the issues raised by the defense and reach an objective conclusion.

Prosper also criticized the court for what he described as its failure to give sufficient weight to defense witnesses.

He said sovereign states should make their own decisions based on their national interests. He added that Kosovo should determine its position through its institutions.

“The battle continues, the fight continues, but in the end he will find his freedom,” Prosper said.

He rejected the court’s findings and said the defense would continue pursuing legal remedies. Prosper warned that the appeals process could take a long time. He said the defense must remain prepared for the next stages of the proceedings.

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