PRISTINA, Sept 17 /ATA/ The judgment against four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army is expected to be subject to a robust appeals process from both sides, according to international law expert Mark Ellis
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Ellis, Director of the International Bar Association, said the defence is expected to challenge the findings linking the accused to a joint criminal enterprise, while the prosecution may contest their acquittal on charges of crimes against humanity.
According to him, beyond the ongoing legal battle, the judgment also carries significance for the victims, who may now view the convictions for war crimes as a form of justice.
On 16 September, the Specialist Chambers in The Hague found four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army – Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi – guilty on four counts of war crimes, while acquitting them of charges of crimes against humanity.
Thaçi and Krasniqi were each sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment, while Veseli received 18 years and Selimi 13.
The judgment is a first‑instance ruling, and defence lawyers have announced they will appeal../rel/sm/
