Hashim Thaci verdict draws Kosovo rally

Thousands of people rallied in Kosovo's capital on Friday against the 25-year prison sentence handed to former president Hashim Thaci for war crimes, in one of the largest demonstrations since the verdict.

The rally in Pristina was led by former guerrilla fighters and organised by Kosovo Liberation Army veterans. Many people in the crowd wore military fatigues, waved KLA flags and chanted the group's name.

The Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced Thaci earlier in the week after finding him and three other former KLA leaders criminally responsible for murders, illegal arrests, torture and cruel treatment committed by KLA fighters during the 1990s conflict with Serbia.

Jakup Krasniqi also received 25 years, Rexhep Selimi 13 years and Kadri Veseli 18 years. All four were acquitted of crimes against humanity and have the right to appeal.

Thaci's lawyer, Luka Misetic, said Thaci would appeal and wanted citizens to remain “peaceful”. War veteran leader Nasim Haradinaj told the rally that the court should overturn the decision.

The verdict has caused anger in Kosovo, where the former KLA leaders are still widely regarded by many ethnic Albanians as heroes of the independence struggle. Around 13,000 people, mostly ethnic Albanians, were killed in the conflict.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti called the ruling “unacceptable” and said his government would support the men through the appeals process. Several international allies of Kosovo called for the court's decision to be respected.

Human Rights Watch Europe and Central Asia director Hugh Williamson said the verdict sent an important message to victims and their families that powerful leaders were not beyond justice.