Kosovo’s Former President Hashim Thaçi Sentenced to 25 Years for War Crimes

Hashim Thaçi, who led Kosovo after its 2008 declaration of independence, was convicted by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Judges found him responsible for murder, torture, cruel treatment, and arbitrary detention during the 1998–1999 conflict with Serbia. The court linked him to the murder of 96 people, detention of 385, and torture of 303. Thaçi denied the allegations. The first-instance verdict may be appealed, while supporters in Kosovo have criticized the tribunal and gathered to protest the ruling.