The Hague, Netherlands — A tribunal supported by the European Union has sentenced Hashim Thaci, the former president of Kosovo, to 25 years in prison for war crimes stemming from the 1998-1999 Kosovo War, in which the region sought independence from Serbia. The sentencing, which took place on September 16, 2026, has ignited a wave of emotions in Kosovo, where Thaci remains a controversial figure seen as both a liberation hero and now a convicted war criminal.
Thaci, 58, was convicted on multiple counts, including murder, torture, cruel treatment, and arbitrary detention. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers found him accountable for his role in the deaths of 96 individuals and the mistreatment of hundreds more, including torture and arbitrary detention during the conflict. According to the verdict, none of the victims were involved in active combat during the incidents that led to their deaths.
In a formal courtroom setting, Thaci listened silently as Presiding Judge Charles Smith enumerated the sentences against him. He has consistently denied the charges and plans to appeal the verdict. His defense team described the ruling as riddled with significant legal flaws that compromised the fairness of the trial, alleging that the judicial panel exhibited bias and that the trial was marred by procedural errors.
The court presented evidence claiming that Thaci was integral to a joint criminal enterprise that orchestrated the abuses and executed a common plan of violence. Judge Smith remarked that Thaci’s high-ranking position allowed him to promote individuals connected to criminal activities and emphasized the serious nature of the crimes committed.
During the trial, the judges acquitted four co-defendants of several charges, determining that the prosecution had not established sufficient evidence to demonstrate that those accused were part of a systematic attack against civilians. Thaci’s fellow defendants, including Jakup Krasniqi, received sentences of 25 years, while Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi were sentenced to 18 and 13 years, respectively.
Thaci’s political journey began with his role in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during the conflict, where he was known by the alias “Commander Snake.” Post-war, he transitioned to a prominent political figure, serving as Kosovo’s prime minister and later president. His leadership garnered support from Western leaders, positioning him as a key player in Kosovo’s push for statehood after declaring independence from Serbia in 2008.
The conviction has sparked public unrest in Kosovo, with thousands gathering in Pristina to express their discontent. Protestors filled the streets, some chanting in support of the KLA, while clashes erupted between supporters of Thaci and law enforcement in The Hague. Many Kosovars view Thaci as a national hero, and the court’s ruling has been met with disbelief and anger from segments of the population.
Following the verdict, Thaci’s defense team expressed gratitude for the support received from Kosovo’s citizens and urged calm in response to the ruling. Meanwhile, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister criticized the decision as a grave injustice, reflecting the divided views among Kosovo’s populace regarding Thaci’s legacy.
Thaci’s story reflects the complex and often contentious narratives surrounding the conflict in Kosovo, a region still grappling with the ramifications of its violent past. While the tribunal’s ruling seeks to hold individuals accountable for wartime atrocities, it also underscores the ongoing tensions between historical memory and current political realities. Further legal proceedings involving Thaci loom, as separate charges of witness intimidation are set to be addressed in upcoming trials.