The protesters opposed the sentences handed to former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi and called for the verdict to be overturned.

On Sept. 16, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers sentenced Thaçi and Krasniqi to 25 years in prison each, Veseli to 18 years and Selimi to 13 years. The court found them guilty of several offences related to war crimes but acquitted them on some charges of crimes against humanity.

The protesters criticised what they described as the court’s treatment of the KLA’s wartime role and called for the verdicts to be overturned.

Earlier on Friday, thousands of people gathered in Prishtina’s main squares for a protest organised by the KLA War Veterans Organisation.

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Speaking to Radio Free Europe, EU spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office should be allowed to carry out their mandates without interference.

“Justice must be allowed to run its course – something that is particularly important for the victims. The authorities have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all communities and residents across Kosovo,” Mercier said.

The EU said it “takes note” of the first-instance court ruling and said the Specialist Chambers were administering justice through “fair, impartial and independent” proceedings based on the principle of individual criminal responsibility.

Mercier also recalled that those convicted have the right to appeal the verdict before a separate panel of Appeals judges.

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