After the September 16 decision in The Hague, Ali Ahmeti considers the process to have deviated from its original purpose, while Rafis Aliti says that “not only the individual was judged, but Kosovo and the KLA.” Meanwhile, historian Nuri Bexheti expresses hope for the Appeal
The shameful verdict of the Specialist Chambers in The Hague against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, with a total of 81 years in prison, has brought one of the most sensitive issues in the history of the Kosovo war back to the center of political and public debate in Kosovo and among Albanians in the region. On September 16, the Trial Panel of the Specialist Chambers found all four former leaders guilty of war crimes and sentenced Thaçi and Krasniqi to 25 years in prison, Veseli to 18 years and Selimi to 13 years. The verdict is of first instance and can be appealed.
Reactions after the decision have been numerous, and among the voices that have commented on the verdict is the leader of the DUI and one of the founders of the KLA, Ali Ahmeti, who has strongly opposed the decision and questioned the way in which the role of the former KLA leaders has been treated.
“NOT EVEN MILOSEVIC’S COURT GAVE SUCH A HIGH SENTENCE”
In a live broadcast on A2CNN’s “Off the Record” show, Ahmeti said that the sentence was met with anger and indignation by most Albanians. “Not even the court of the fascist Milosevic has given such a high sentence to these comrades-in-arms, for whom the Special Court pronounced the sentence yesterday,” Ahmeti said. According to him, the reaction to the decision is widespread among Albanians, while he claims that “Belgrade has been the most happy about this sentence.” Ahmeti also referred to the fact that several Macedonian political parties have reacted in support of former KLA members. He described the situation as a clash between different interpretations of the Kosovo war and said that, in his opinion, the KLA had aimed at protection and freedom, not revenge.
Ahmeti also addressed the allegations related to the so-called “Yellow House”, arguing that, according to him, this issue has influenced the deviation of the debate from the initial purpose of the process. “This process has degraded from the purpose”, declared Ahmeti, adding that Albanians outside Kosovo, including Albanians in North Macedonia, should raise their voices on this issue. He demanded that Kosovo institutions engage in diplomacy and international justice to follow the further stages of the process. “We must be guided by rationality now. We must win this battle. Battle after battle the war is won”, said the leader of the DUI.
“KOSOVO AND THE KLA WERE TRIED THERE”
Rafis Aliti, known as the commander “Teacher”, reacted in similar tones on the “Rishtazi” show on KohaCast. Commenting on the sentencing of the four former KLA leaders, Aliti said that the process, according to him, has taken on a broader dimension than the individual responsibility of the accused. “Hashim Thaçi, Hashima and Hashim Thaça were not tried, there were others in Kosovo, or Rexhep Selimi, Jakupi and others. Kosovo, the Republic of Kosovo, the leaders of the KLA were tried there, that is, the KLA was tried”, declared Aliti. He also linked this to one of the elements of the indictment, arguing that the former KLA leaders were also held responsible for allegations related to the failure to protect the victims.
“IT DOES NOT MATCH ANYWHERE WITH REALITY”
More reserved about the decision’s alignment with the developments he experienced during the war was expressed by historian and university professor Nuri Bexheti. On the show “Debat në Shenja,” Bexheti said that he opposes the interpretation of the reality of the war that, according to him, emerges from the decision. “I dispute that I lived in that reality. It does not match reality anywhere,” said Bexheti. He emphasized that he expects the full publication of the documents and materials of the case to bring more clarity to the claims and reasoning of the decision.
At the same time, Bexheti said that he has hope for the appeal procedure. “I have extraordinary hope for the appeal. I believe in justice, regardless of appearance,” he declared. Explaining his position, Bexheti said that the four former KLA leaders had other commitments during the war and, according to him, they had not had time to deal with the persons against whom allegations were raised in the indictment. “Krasniqi, Thaçi, Veseli, Rexhepi did not have time for a fakir, I say this responsibly. There were other things to do, and you had to deal with them,” said Bexheti. (koha.mk)