Trial Continues against former KLA leaders in The Hague tomorrow

After about three weeks on break, the Special Court in The Hague will continue the trial of KLA leaders.

According to the calendar published by this institution, sessions will be held on August 19, 20 and 21, 2024, continuing in the weeks ahead.

Former KLA leaders Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi are being tried at the Special Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Peter Shala, known as Commander “Ujku”, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in 16.07.2024 by Kosovo's Specialised Chambers in The Hague for War Crimes. He is accused of arbitrary bans, torture and murder in Kukes, in a metal factory for which the indictment claims used by the KLA as a detention centre. The court in the case of declaring the act of prejudice stressed that the indictment of cruel treatment is covered with the charge of torture.

The court pronounced a conviction sentence against Salih Mustaf in 16,12.22 for war crimes, where he was sentenced to 26 years in prison, but the second rate of '%s' dropped his sentence to 22 years in prison. In the judicial process against him, 29 witnesses were heard 14 for the SPS and 15 for the Protection, while the number of victims participating in this case was 8.

Currently, in this ongoing court are cases Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselini, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi (KSC-BC-2020-06), where prosecution witnesses -- Sabit Januzi, Ismet Bahitari and Haxhi Shala allegedly joined (KSC -BC-2023-10 ), while against Isni Kilajt -- still have no indictment, and is considered only a suspect.