Y Response IHR) for decorating Thaci's commander Remi: He was convicted of war crimes

Next, the YIHR statement condemning this decoration:

Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Kosovo ( YIHR Kosovo) condemns the president's decision to award the Jubilare Presidential Medal of Operational Zone of Llap and General Staff member Rrustem Mustafa, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of independence, honouring him for his contribution to freedom and independence.

In 2015, Rrustem Mustafa, known as “Remi”, was sentenced to four years in prison for war crimes by the Court of Appeals, along with his two associates, Nazif Mehmeti and Latif Gashi. On the basis of the ruling, Rrustem Mustafa was found guilty of war crimes because of the inhuman treatment of detained civilians and war crimes due to the beating and torture of detained civilians. Furthermore, the Court of Appeals has confirmed the act of first degree and has issued a formal form of justice for the accused.

As Kosovo President Hashim Thaci honours war criminals, the family members of more than 1600 people found still know nothing about the fate of their most loved ones.

On the one hand, Thaci has initiated the Commission's establishment of truth and reconciliation, while on the other hand continues to promote and legitimise the violence and crimes committed during the last war.

Thus, we call on all public institutions in Kosovo to ban the honours of war criminals and to focus on recognition and achievement of justice for victims, survivors and missing persons from the recent war in Kosovo.

Justice and freedom for all Kosovo citizens will not be possible until war criminals are decorated and called to principles of freedom and independence”.