Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers keep Veseli and Krasniqi detained

Illustration; Photo: Tanjug/AP

The Trial Chamber of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague has rejected requests for the temporary release of two former leaders of the the terrorist so-called KLA ("Kosovo Liberation Army"), Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi. They are on trial for war crimes. The Chambers ordered their detention to be extended.

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The panel determined that there are still risks that the accused could obstruct the course of the proceedings or commit new criminal acts, it was announced on the website of the Chambers.

Specialist Prosecutor Kimberly West stated in her explanation that there is a risk that the accused might intimidate witnesses and reminded that the verdict against the four former leaders of the so-called KLA will be pronounced on September 16, so their continued detention is not a disproportionate measure.

Former leaders of the so-called KLA - Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi - are charged on the basis of individual criminal responsibility with six counts of crimes against humanity, and four counts of war crimes.

They have been detained in The Hague since their arrest in November 2020.

During 1998 and 1999, the terrorist KLA committed numerous crimes, murders and kidnappings targeting Yugoslav Army and Serbian police members, as well as Serbs and other non-Albanian civilians in Kosovo and Metohija, but also ethnic Albanians who did not accept to become KLA members or helpers.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)