Kosovo war crimes court jails ex-president Hashim Thaçi for 25 years, sparking mass protests

Loading the video No Comment Video. Kosovo war crimes court jails ex-president Hashim Thaçi for 25 years, sparking mass protests Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 16/09/2026 - 18:32 GMT+2 Kosovo’s ex-president Hashim Thaçi gets 25 years for war crimes, sparking mass protests in Pristina as supporters chant and clash with police. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi to 25 years in prison on 16 September for war crimes during the 1998-99 Kosovo conflict. The 58-year-old former Kosovo Liberation Army commander was convicted of murder, torture, cruel treatment and arbitrary detention. He was sentenced alongside three other former KLA commanders: Jakup Krasniqi, also to 25 years, Kadri Veseli to 18 years and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years. All four were acquitted of crimes against humanity after judges found prosecutors had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that civilians had been subjected to a widespread or systematic attack. They can appeal. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT In Pristina, thousands gathered in the city centre to watch the verdict on a large screen, with many supporters weeping, booing and chanting “Thaci, Thaci” and “KLA” while waving Kosovo Liberation Army flags. After the judgment, some marched towards the EU rule‑of‑law mission (EULEX) headquarters, chanting and, in places, clashing with riot police. Thaci resigned as Kosovo’s president in 2020 to face the trial. Kosovo Hasim Thaci The Hague court War crimes Serbia Pristina Top stories Now playing Next Kosovo war crimes court jails ex-president Hashim Thaçi for 25 years, sparking mass protests Now playing Next EU - Canada: Standing ovation for Mark Carney at European Parliament Now playing Next Huge wildfire in Valencia region burns 690 hectares after Spain’s hottest summer Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | September 16th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next Sniffing out trouble: Customs dogs remain vital in the age of AI Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | September 16th, 2026 – Midday Now playing Next Yemen's Houthis claim they shot down Saudi jet, deny targeting Mecca Now playing Next Canada invited to become first 'associate member' of the EU Now playing Next Canada, heatwaves and Ceuta: Von der Leyen delivers State of the Union Now playing Next US threatens EU with retaliation over European preference in EU budget Now playing Next Belarus launches drills near Suwalki Gap on NATO's eastern flank Now playing Next Von der Leyen gives key State of the Union amid mounting challenges Now playing Next English village votes to 'secede' from UK over asylum centre plan Now playing Next The Soprano: A magical evening of opera with acclaimed Greek singer Christina Poulitsi Now playing Next How Kazakhstan is reshaping its trade beyond commodities Now playing Next Belarus releases 25 political prisoners in exchange for lifting of US sanctions on two companies ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment At least 12 dead and dozens missing after building collapse in Gaza City No Comment From nail hammering to drilling, Japan’s new robots push physical AI forward No Comment Surge in Yemen violence ends ceasefire and drives mass displacement No Comment Russia stages early voting in occupied Ukraine ahead of national election Europe Today 'Lack of focus': Charles Michel slams von der Leyen for 'very slow' progress Europe News State of the Union: Five takeaways from Ursula von der Leyen's speech Europe in Motion Where in Europe are homes most at risk of a break in? The Cube Thousands of suspicious accounts followed Swedish political voices, researchers say Europe News Canada invited to become first 'associate member' of the EU World News Iran war has cost the US more than $38 billion so far, says Congressional Budget Office Culture news Ed Sheeran's support acts quit US tour after Macklemore dropped for pro-Palestinian comments USA US plans to send bombs to Israel in $2.8 billion weapons deal ADVERTISEMENT Europe Today Europe Today special: Von der Leyen gives key State of the Union amid mounting challenges for the EU Europe News Canada, heatwaves, AI and Ceuta: Von der Leyen delivers State of the Union Health news Increase in air pollution takes a toll on your sleep Europe News Belarus launches drills near Suwalki Gap on Polish and Lithuanian borders USA NBC news helicopter crash kills at least three in Los Angeles while reporters covered car accident No Comment At least 150 pro-LGBTQ protesters detained in Istanbul crackdown Europe News US threatens EU with retaliation over European preference in EU budget Europe Today Von der Leyen will deliver an 'inspirational message' in annual speech, EU vice-president says ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT