Protest march in Skopje backs Hashim Thaci and convicted KLA leaders
March began at 14:00 by the Skenderbeg monument with banners reading "Freedom" and "Justice"; organisers invited veterans, families and civic representatives.
A protest march in Skopje began at 14:00 near the Skenderbeg monument with citizens carrying banners reading "Freedom" and "Justice" to show support for former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci and three other former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) convicted by the Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
Among those attending were Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), and Ziadin Sela, president of the Albanian Alliance. Organisers said families of the fallen, veterans and war invalids, former prisoners and people who say they suffered political persecution were invited, along with representatives of religious, academic and civic groups.
Sentences handed down on 16 September
On 16 September, Hashim Thaci and Jakup Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years in prison, Kadri Veseli received 18 years and Rexhep Selimi 13 years. The court found them guilty of multiple war crimes, while charges of crimes against humanity were dismissed. The verdicts are first instance and can be appealed.
Organisers said the march was intended to demand legal fairness and to draw attention to what attendees described as politically motivated processes. Participants held placards and chanted slogans as they moved through the central area around the monument.
Authorities monitored the demonstration but there were no immediate reports of clashes or arrests. The case and the sentences are likely to remain subject to legal challenge and political debate in the region.
Photo: press material from the event
