News from The Hague: Special Allows KLA Leaders to Celebrate Kosovo Independence

The Special Court has told Express that they can gather today to celebrate the anniversary of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The manner of the holiday will depend entirely on the detainees, the court says.

The “Brencing the requirements set by these rules is entirely up to the detainees to decide how they would like to celebrate Kosovo Independence Day”, the Special's response reported.

In addition, The Hague-based court has shown how they spend the day of the accused staying in custody. They can also gather together at mealtimes, according to regulations on the daily functioning of detention facilities.

Pre-prisoned people are allowed daily access to clean air and exercise, as well as access to other appropriate recreation. They are allowed to read and write material and have access to a library containing books, magazines, and newspapers in their native languages. In addition, they are able to use radio and television programs and can participate in available religious or spiritual services. Pre-prisoned KSC detentions have the opportunity to spend time together, including food meals”, the Special's response reported.

The first seven special indictees, five of them with confirmed charges, are former political and military leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK).

Former superior of The KLA, Salih Mustafa, was the first of former KLA members to be arrested and transferred to the custody of the Special Court last September 24th. He is accused of a series of acts described as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Two days later the two former KLA OVL leaders, Chairman Hysni Gucati and the deputy chairman of this organisation, Nasim Haradinaj, were also arrested. They are accused of obstruction in the administration of justice, fear of witnesses, revenge and violations of the secret of the procedure.

The last ones to be arrested and sent to The Hague were four former KLA political and military leaders, former President Hashim Thaci, former leaders Kadri Veselin and Jakup Krasniqi, as well as the head of the Vetevendosje Movement Parliamentary Group (LVV), Rexhep Selimi.

On November 4, 2020, the former spokeswoman KLA, Jakup Krasniqi was arrested and sent to special custody. To the same destination, on a military plane, former war associates Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini and Rexhep Selimi left the following day.

The arrests came after a Special Court preliminary procedure judge had confirmed the indictment against four former KLA leaders. They are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The incident holds Thaci, Veselin, Krasniqi and Selimi responsible for a series of crimes allegedly committed at several detention centres during 1998-1999. The specialized prosecutor accuses them of being or should be aware of such crimes.