Protests in Kosovo after Hague convictions; fire at EULEX compound
Demonstrators in Pristina attacked part of the EULEX compound after the Hague verdicts; police reinforced security at government sites.
Tensions spread across Kosovo after the Special Court for Kosovo in The Hague handed down prison terms for former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commanders, prompting demonstrations and clashes in Pristina on the night following the verdicts.
Fire at EU rule-of-law mission building, police say
Kosovo police reported that late last night a fire broke out in part of the compound housing the European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) in Pristina after demonstrators struck the building with pyrotechnic devices. Officers said the blaze was quickly extinguished and there were no injuries.
Witnesses and video from the scene showed protesters waving numerous KLA flags and shouting for justice and support for the convicted former commanders. Authorities increased police deployments in front of all government buildings across Kosovo as a security precaution.
In Serb-majority areas the situation remained largely calm but officials described a cautious atmosphere. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said Belgrade had neither reason to rejoice nor to mourn the verdict, adding that crimes against Serb civilians had not been taken into account.
Aleksandar Vučić: "As a court of the so‑called Kosovo they did not want to undermine the credibility of the KLA and did not delve into the substance of the question regarding the formation of forces to separate Kosovo from Serbia and the SFRY."
The U.S. State Department and other countries urged respect for the court’s decision. The State Department said: "We call on all parties to respect the court's decision, avoid provocative rhetoric and continue to work toward a peaceful and democratic future." The court found Hashim Thaçi guilty on four counts related to war crimes — including murder, torture, cruel treatment and unlawful detention — and sentenced him to 25 years. Kadri Veseli received 18 years, Rexhep Selimi 13 years and Jakup Krasniqi 25 years. All pleaded not guilty and the verdicts can be appealed.
Photo: press material from the event
