American judge says KLA veterans must be released on bail until trial begins

Pineles says Kosovo citizens have the right to think this Court is unilateral, because only former heads of the Kosovo Liberation Army and not the Serb side are being tried.

According to him, from this situation the Serbian state is aiming to take advantage of, because it is trying to create a false juncture for the recent war in Kosovo.

“Initially, it should be said that the Court in The Hague is entirely made up of internationals and there is not even a Kosovar there, so it is normal for Kosovo to express concern about this issue. The other problem is that only former senior Kosovo Liberation Army leaders and not the other side, which has been involved in the conflict, are being tried by this tribunal. Understandably, people feel that this Court is biased about how it worked. On the other hand, I see Serbia is very enthusiastic about the Special Court, because it helps them create their own concern for the recent war in Kosovo. A false narrative for my opinion”, Pines told about Tv1

The former judge of the EULEX mission in Kosovo, says the bail request of Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini and others held for more than two years in custody should be considered.

“Hashim Thaci, Kadri Wessel and others have been held in custody for more than two years and now the question is- Why? Their request to be released should be considered seriously until the trial begins for them. They cannot stand there collecting dust until all the evidence is gathered against them. They must be released, but of course under strict supervision where they cannot influence the work of the Special Court”, he said.

However, Pineles thinks it would be more serious for Kosovo if this court were to be formed through the United Nations because of the influence China and Russia could have.