The head of the OVL-UCK, Hysni Gucati, has reacted after the announcement of the verdict against four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army in The Hague, describing the sentences as unacceptable.
Gucati said that with this decision, in his opinion, the Special Court has satisfied Serbia and Russia. He emphasized that hope now remains in the appeal process.
"The sentences are unacceptable. The Special Court managed to satisfy Serbia and Russia. There is hope and we will appeal," Gucati declared.
The Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi to 25 years in prison, while Kadri Veseli was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Rexhep Selimi was sentenced to 13 years in prison, while Jakup Krasniqi was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
According to the trial panel, the four former leaders were found guilty of various criminal offenses, including unlawful or arbitrary detention, cruel treatment, torture, and unlawful killing.
In total, the sentences against the four former KLA leaders amount to 81 years in prison. The prosecution had requested 45 years in prison for each of them.
After the announcement of the decision, the defense is expected to appeal the verdict to the Appeals Chamber.
