Kosovo's former President Thaçi convicted of war crimes at Hague court

The historic verdict in the war crimes trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three senior ex-Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders is set to be delivered on Wednesday in The Hague. After a three-year legal battle, judges will determine if the men, all former KLA figures, are criminally responsible for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the 1998-1999 independence war with Serbia.

Prosecutors have sought 45-year prison sentences for each individual. All four defendants have maintained their not guilty pleas.

Former KLA political leader Hashim Thaci anticipates being acquitted of all charges, stating in late August, "I expect to be acquitted of every charge." The 58-year-old, who also served as prime minister, is a central political figure in post-independence Kosovo. Throughout the trial, his image has been prominently displayed across the country, with Prime Minister Albin Kurti declaring, "Our war was just, a war of liberation."

Tens of thousands of Kosovo citizens have rallied in support of their acquittal, emphasizing that the KLA leaders "fought for the freedom of Kosovo and did not commit any crimes" and should be released as liberators.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers, established under Kosovo law to prosecute alleged crimes by KLA members, has faced criticism for using evidence provided by Serbia, which still denies Kosovo's independence. This has fueled accusations of political bias. Prosecutors aim to separate the independence struggle from the individuals on trial, alleging the four men are responsible for crimes committed against prisoners and civilians during and after the Kosovo war, which resulted in around 13,000 deaths.

The men's defense argues that the KLA lacked a strict command structure, and senior figures could not control or be held responsible for fighters who committed crimes. Regardless of the verdict, Thaci remains under indictment for alleged obstruction of justice, potentially leaving him in custody even if acquitted in the war crimes case.