Kosovo Appeals Raise Money for Thaci, Veseli Trial Defence

A poster in Pristina in July 2020 describing Thaci and Veseli as heroes. Photo: EPA-EFE/VALDRIN XHEMAJ.

The Support for the Legal Defence of Hashim Thaci foundation, an initiative launched by the ex-president's brother Idriz, said in a statement that it will operate "in a transparent way to promote the truth and the history of the war for freedom of President Thaci and the Kosovo Liberation Army".

The Support for the Legal Protection of Kadri Veseli foundation was founded on the initiative of Hysni Veseli, a close relative of Kadri Veseli.

It said in a statement that "it will support the provision of genuine protection, technical and professional assistance to the defence team during Veseli's trial, as well as cooperation with all stakeholders in order to advance the truth and history of the war for the freedom of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)".

BIRN asked the Thaci and Veseli foundations about the amount of money they hope to raise, and how much they have raised so far, but they declined to answer.

Kosovo already has a law guaranteeing legal defence and financial support for war crimes indictees at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, and there is no limit on the amount that can be granted to support those on trial.

This year, 20 million euros was allocated in Kosovo's state budget for financial support for defendants at the Specialist Chambers.

The Justice Ministry told BIRN that "all the accused will be supported according to the law on the legal defence and financial support for potential indictees at the Specialist Chambers".

"We have already received some requests for reimbursement [of legal costs connected with Specialist Chambers cases]. I hope the money will be transferred this week," Kosovo's...