Former Kosovo leader sentenced for war crimes

Former Kosovo leader sentenced for war crimes

Updated at: September 27, 2026 at 01:15 AM

On September 16, 2026, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague delivered a landmark verdict concerning the 1998–99 war for independence.

nounSeptember
verbdeliver
adjectivelandmark
nounverdict

Hashim Thaçi, Kosovo's former President and a prominent Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leader, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

nounHashim Thaçi
verbsentence
nounprison

Alongside three co-defendants—Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri Veseli, and Rexhep Selimi—he was found guilty of war crimes, including murder, torture, and illegal detention.

nounmurder

These convictions stem from actions taken during the conflict against various ethnic groups, including Kosovo Albanians, Serbs, and Roma.

nounconflict

Thaçi, who resigned from his presidency in 2020 to face these charges, maintains his defense, and legal teams have signaled plans to appeal.

verbresign

The verdict has stirred notable tension in Kosovo, where many view these former commanders as liberation heroes.

nounverdict
🎉

End of article

You read 6 focus sentences.

Challenge Mode

Comprehension Questions

What sentence did former President Hashim Thaçi receive?

✓

Correct Choice

25 years in prison

Why were the defendants acquitted of crimes against humanity?

✓

Correct Choice

Prosecutors failed to prove the crimes were part of a widespread and systematic attack

Which institution conducted the trial of the former KLA leaders?

✓

Correct Choice

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers

When did Hashim Thaçi resign from his position as president?

✓

Correct Choice

November 2020

Which of the following was a convicted co-defendant in this trial?

✓

Correct Choice

Jakup Krasniqi

Ringoo Icon

Learn faster with Ringoo apps

Trace your learning progress and get real-time feedback with interactive exercises.

App StoreGoogle Play