TIRANA, Sept. 17 /ATA/ – Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has denied any involvement in killings and said he would appeal a first-instance verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers that sentenced him and three other former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders to a combined 81 years in prison.
In a statement issued by his lawyer on social media platform X on Thursday, Thaçi thanked people in Kosovo and the international community for their support and called for a peaceful response to the verdict.
His defence said it would appeal to the Appeals Panel of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, arguing that the trial had been marred by significant legal and factual errors and procedural concerns.
The defence also challenged the trial panel’s assessment of evidence, saying the findings of guilt beyond reasonable doubt were based on insufficient and uncorroborated evidence.
It specifically disputed the panel’s finding that Thaçi was involved in the killing of Behajdin Allaqi, saying evidence related to the case had been kept confidential during the proceedings.
“Mr. Thaçi expressly denies any involvement in killings,” the statement said.
The defence said it would formally file an appeal alleging violations of Thaçi’s fundamental right to a fair trial under the European Convention on Human Rights and Kosovo’s constitution.
/u.sh/
