Anger over Thaçi war crimes sentence spills into protests at Kosovo EU mission

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Published: 2026-09-17 • Permanent link

Rioters clashed with Kosovo police in front of the EU mission in Prishtina, as thousands gathered to protest the guilty verdict of Hashim Thaçi, the former president of Kosovo. The verdict, delivered by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, found Thaçi responsible for murder, torture, and illegal detention. The sentence sparked outrage among Thaçi's supporters, who claim the trial was a sham. The EU mission, which has been operating in Kosovo since 2010, has been targeted by protesters, with some chanting "Thaçi is innocent" and "EU, you are the real enemy".

Chaos erupted outside the EU mission as protesters, many of whom were armed with sticks and stones, attempted to breach the security perimeter. The Kosovo police responded with tear gas and batons, leading to further clashes. The violence has raised concerns about the stability of the region, with many fearing that the protests could escalate into full-blown civil unrest. The EU has condemned the violence, calling for calm and restraint.

Historically, Kosovo has been a hotbed of tension, with the province's complex history of ethnic conflict and occupation by various powers leaving deep scars. The Thaçi trial has reignited these tensions, with many Kosovars still feeling that justice has not been served. The international community has long been divided on the issue, with some supporting Kosovo's bid for statehood and others questioning its legitimacy. The verdict has only added to the divisions, with many fearing that the trial has exacerbated the region's deep-seated problems.

The protests are likely to continue, with many calling for the EU to take a more active role in resolving the crisis. The Kosovo government has promised to maintain order, but it remains to be seen whether it can effectively contain the unrest. In the meantime, the international community will be watching closely, with many wondering what the long-term implications of the Thaçi trial will be for the region's fragile stability.