Hashim Thaci: From 'George Washington of Kosovo' to Hague convict
KOSOVO’S former president Hashim Thaci, sentenced to 25 years in prison Wednesday for war crimes, has long been seen within the Balkan country as a guerilla hero and symbol of its bloody independence struggle.
Hashim Thaci, the former president of Kosovo, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for war crimes. Once revered as a guerrilla hero and symbol of Kosovo's independence struggle, Thaci's reputation has been tarnished by allegations of war crimes, organized crime links, corruption, and political misuse of power. As the leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during the 1998-1999 conflict with Serbia, Thaci oversaw Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence.
Born in 1968 in western Kosovo, Thaci's political career saw him serve as prime minister and later president, but his legacy was marred by allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Thaci vehemently denies any wrongdoing, insisting that the conflict was a "just rebellion against Serbian repression."
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
