Kosovo War Crimes Verdict Protests Raise Pressure on Kurti Government

Protests against the war crimes convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders have spread across Kosovo, drawing thousands into the rain and adding fresh pressure on Prime Minister Albin Kurti's government as it navigates a protracted political crisis.

The verdicts, issued earlier this month by the Netherlands-based Specialist Chambers, found former President Hashim Thaci and three other KLA figures guilty of war crimes during the 1998-99 independence conflict with Serbia. The court handed down sentences ranging from 13 to 25 years. Those convicted alongside Thaci were Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

Many in Kosovo reject the rulings as unjust, arguing that the KLA, which Thaci led before entering politics, fought against Serbian oppression. More than 13,000 people died in the conflict, which ended after a NATO bombing campaign forced Serbia to withdraw.

The demonstrations, largely peaceful and branded "Not in my name," have compounded tensions from a political deadlock lasting more than 18 months. That impasse has blocked the election of a president and triggered two early elections. Kurti, who took office nearly two weeks ago following a June vote, now faces an Oct. 6 deadline to reach an agreement with opposition parties on the next president or risk another snap election — a prospect that would further strain the economy and deepen uncertainty in one of Europe's poorest countries.

Political analyst Artan Muhaxhiri said the war crimes protests have "complicated even more the political scene, and the divisions now have become even deeper." He added that the issue is "being used for political reasons and, of course, all the parties want to benefit maximally from it," and that "the protests are putting big pressure on the government."

The rallies have drawn mostly young people, with tens of thousands expected at a major gathering in the capital, Pristina, on Oct. 1. On Friday, protesters carried red and black Albanian flags and banners praising the KLA and the jailed former fighters.

The opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo, formerly led by Thaci, has called on Kosovo to limit the reach of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Kurti, who was in New York for the U.N. General Assembly this week, has not yet responded to the opposition's proposal, though he has pledged to stand by the jailed Kosovars and provide any assistance they need.

Muhaxhiri described any anti-court initiatives as "more symbolic than realistic" and warned they could strain relations with the European Union, which has supported the court's establishment. Kosovo's parliament is expected on Monday to pass a declaration concerning the war crimes verdicts.

The EU is seeking to revive stalled talks to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which have been tense since Kosovo declared independence in 2008 without Belgrade's consent. Kosovo's independence is backed by the United States and most EU countries, while Belgrade has the support of Russia and China for its claim on the territory. The EU has told both sides they must resolve their differences to advance efforts to join the 27-nation bloc.

Protesters are demanding concrete government action to help the former rebel leaders, including financial support and the hiring of law firms, said Ismail Tasholli of the Freedom Has a Name group, which is behind the protests. Tasholli said the demonstrations will continue until the convicted former rebels are released, warning that "the government has reached the final moment when it must react, because we have no other option."

"We will not back down in the face of this injustice," Tasholli said. "It is not good for those in power to create a gap with the citizens."