Veterans warn of protests if Kosovo Liberation Army leaders are convicted<\/p>\n
The Organization of Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans (OVL-U\u00c7K) has announced large-scale protests and the continuation of protest activities if the former KLA leaders standing trial in The Hague are found guilty.<\/p>\n
OVL-U\u00c7K Deputy Chairman Gazmend Syla told KosovaPress that the organization expects the former KLA leaders to return to Kosovo acquitted, but will not remain idle if a guilty verdict is issued.<\/p>\n
\u201cEither way, we will never stop protesting and advocating for our rights, which we earned in 1999. It is indisputable, therefore our activities will never stop. The damage has already been done,\u201d\u00a0he said.<\/p>\n
Syla expressed confidence that if the verdict is based on evidence, the former KLA leaders will be acquitted. However, he voiced concern that political influence could play a role in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n Recommended<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Police operation in the Prishtina region, four arrested for organized crime<\/p>\n <\/a>According to him, OVL-U\u00c7K has continuously raised concerns with international representatives regarding the way the Specialist Chambers operates and, as he claims, violations of the rights of the accused.<\/p>\n The deputy chairman of OVL-U\u00c7K said that the protests and activities organized by the group so far, both inside and outside Kosovo, have contributed to raising public awareness about the judicial process in The Hague.<\/p>\n He criticized Kosovo\u2019s institutions for what he described as a lack of action to protect the rights of the former KLA leaders, adding that the main burden has been left to the Organization of KLA War Veterans.<\/p>\n During the year, OVL-U\u00c7K has held protests in Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, The Hague and Strasbourg, calling on the Specialist Chambers in The Hague to deliver justice.<\/p>\n On September 12, another final protest will be held ahead of the final verdict, while on the day of the verdict, many citizens are expected to gather outside the court premises in The Hague.<\/p>\n