Kosovo's ex-President Thaci convicted of war crimes, sentenced to 25 years in prison
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a European Union-backed court for war crimes committed during the 1998-99 independence war. The verdict, which includes charges of murder and torture, has sparked significant public reaction in Kosovo.
Why it matters
This conviction represents a major development in international justice and the ongoing reconciliation process in the Balkans.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A European Union-backed court on Wednesday convicted former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci of four counts of war crimes committed during his country's war for independence from Serbia and sentenced him to 25 years in prison.
Europe Kosovo's President Steps Down To Face War Crimes Charges Thaci, 58, who resigned from office nearly six years ago to face the charges, was convicted by a panel of judges at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers of murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention.
Wearing a suit and tie, Thaci stood in silence as Presiding Judge Charles Smith read out the sentence.
Thaci faced multiple counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity including murder, torture and persecution alongside three other former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who fought Serb forces in the 1998-99 war. They are widely regarded as national heroes in their homeland.
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