Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci sentenced to 25 years for war crimes

On September 16, 2026, the Kosovo war crimes tribunal in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, 58, to 25 years in prison. Thaci was found guilty of war crimes committed during the 1990s conflict over Kosovo's independence from Serbia, specifically while he served as a top commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).

The court held Thaci responsible for the murder of 96 political opponents and perceived collaborators with Serbian security forces. Additionally, the tribunal found him guilty of the arbitrary detention of 385 people, the torture of 303 individuals, and the inhumane treatment of 50 others. Judges stated that Thaci actively participated in and encouraged these crimes. Throughout the trial, Thaci denied all allegations and maintained his innocence, while his legal team had sought an acquittal.

The verdict follows a period of high regional tension, illustrated by recent public protests in Pristina and commemorative events in Belgrade for deceased war figures. The proceedings highlight the enduring divisions regarding the legacy of the Balkan wars. There is no mention of further appeals or subsequent legal steps in the current reports.