Hague Court initiates reparations proceedings for victims in case against former KLA leaders

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague announced today that they would initiate reparations proceedings for victims in the case against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, who were convicted of war crimes.

Following the delivery of the first-instance judgment, Trial Panel II decided to conduct reparations proceedings in the Thaci et al. case and issue a reparations order pursuant to Article 22(8) of the Law and Rule 168 of the Rules, rather than refer the victims to civil proceedings in Kosovo, provided that the Defense does not object, the Specialist Chambers said in a statement.

Any such objections must be filed by September 22, while responses from Victims’ Counsel and the Prosecution must be submitted by September 25.

The Panel also ordered Victims’ Counsel to file a request for reparations by October 14, while the Prosecution and the Defense are required to submit their responses by November 4.

The decision noted that Victims’ Counsel had indicated that victims could face legal and practical difficulties if they were required to pursue their claims before civil courts in Kosovo.

“Taking into account these considerations and the context of witness intimidation in which these proceedings have taken place, the Panel does not consider that the civil courts in Kosovo provide an effective and realistic avenue for the victims in this case to seek redress for the crimes of which the Accused have been found guilty,” the decision stated.

In addition, the Panel concluded that a climate of fear and intimidation continued to prevail in Kosovo with regard to witnesses and their families, as well as individuals who had provided information concerning crimes committed by KLA members.

Hashim Thaci and Jakup Krasniqi were sentenced at first instance yesterday to 25 years’ imprisonment each for war crimes. Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years, while Rexhep Selimi received a 13-year prison sentence.

The Trial Panel found Hashim Thaci, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and Kadri Veseli guilty of war crimes committed against civilians and persons who were not actively participating in hostilities. According to the Panel’s judgment, they were found guilty of the war crime of arbitrary detention involving 385 persons, cruel treatment involving 49 persons, torture involving 303 persons, and the war crime of murder involving 96 persons.