The panel said it was not convinced that the targeted individuals could be considered a “civilian population” – an element linked to charges of crimes against humanity.

"Regarding the existence of a widespread attack against the civilian population as a condition for a crime against humanity, the Trial Panel found that the SPO failed to prove that this widespread attack against the civilian population was committed," said the presiding judge.

Judge Charles Smith presented the past and the positions that Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi held during 1998 and 1999.

The Special Court also found that there were no crimes against humanity committed by the four KLA leaders.

"Regarding the existence of a widespread attack against the civilian population as a condition for crimes against humanity, the Trial Panel found that the SPO failed to establish that this widespread attack against the civilian population was committed," the presiding judge said.