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Kosovo Protests Highlight Final Phase of Thaci War-Crimes Trial

Prosecutors seek 45-year terms for the accused, with a verdict expected within about three months.

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Demonstrators wave flags at a protest in support of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and other former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) members, who are on trial for war crimes at a court in the Netherlands as Kosovars celebrate the 18th anniversary of independence, in Pristina, Kosovo, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Florion Goga
Kosovo Security Force members march during celebrations to mark the 18th anniversary of independence, in Pristina, Kosovo, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Laura Hasani)
Kosovo Security Forces parade during celebrations to mark the 18th anniversary of independence, in Pristina, Kosovo, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Laura Hasani)

Overview

  • Tens of thousands marched in Pristina on Kosovo’s 18th independence anniversary to oppose the Hague trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders.
  • Closing arguments are concluding, after which judges at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers will deliberate before issuing a decision within roughly three months.
  • Hashim Thaci, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi are charged with persecution, murder, torture and forced disappearances linked to 1998–99, with prosecutors alleging about 100 killings, 437 unlawful detentions and more than 50 detention sites.
  • The defendants deny all charges, and defense teams say prosecutors failed to prove command responsibility, citing supportive testimony from figures such as Wesley Clark and Christopher Hill.
  • The court was created by Kosovo’s parliament but sits in The Hague with international judges to protect witnesses, and a separate witness-intimidation case against Thaci is due to open later this month.