Passing of Hashim Thaçi’s father reignites controversy over KLA leaders’ detention

The passing of Haxhi Thaçi, father of former Kosovo Liberation Army leader and Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, has once again brought public attention to the ongoing and widely contested detention of former KLA leaders at the Hague. Most Albanians view their imprisonment as unjust, seeing it as politically motivated conspiracy and an affront to Kosovo’s fight for independence. The death of Haxhi Thaçi serves as a poignant reminder of the personal cost of this detention, as his son remains behind bars in the Hague while his family mourns his passing.

Why is this important: The case against Hashim Thaçi and other KLA leaders has been deeply polarizing, with many in Albania and Kosovo perceiving it as politically motivated and a pure case of selective justice. Prime Minister Edi Rama has actively worked to challenge these proceedings, advocating for a fair trial and the release of the accused. The special court’s repeated refusals to initially grant Thaçi permission to visit his dying father fueled further outrage over what many see as a politically driven process.

Context: Haxhi Thaçi, who had been battling a serious illness, passed away on March 16. Just four days earlier, after multiple refusals, the Hague Tribunal granted Hashim Thaçi a temporary visit to Kosovo to see his father for what would be their final meeting. As he arrived in Kosovo, crowds gathered, chanting messages of support.

Upon hearing of his father’s passing, Prime Minister Edi Rama posted a brief but symbolic message: “Your father left this world proud, Hashim”, a statement interpreted as a reference to both personal and national dignity.

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and other political leaders extended their condolences, acknowledging Haxhi Thaçi’s legacy and contributions to the country. Kurti, in a letter to the Thaçi family, highlighted that he “will be remembered for his wisdom, respect, and deep love for his homeland.”

However, the wider political debate surrounding Thaçi’s detention continues to intensify. Rama, a vocal critic of the handling of the Special Court in The Hague, has repeatedly questioned why KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi, and Jakup Krasniqi who fought for Kosovo’s liberation continue to remain behind bars. He has used both domestic and international platforms to advocate for their fair treatment.

What else: The Hague Tribunal’s decision to extend the detention of Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi for two more months, citing potential threats to witnesses, has only fueled accusations that the court is pursuing a politically motivated agenda. The tribunal acknowledges that there is no concrete evidence suggesting they would flee, yet still insists on prolonged detention.

Meanwhile, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague stated that Thaçi can formally request permission to attend his father’s funeral. However, many doubt the request will be granted, given the court’s previous reluctance to allow him to visit his father while he was still alive.

Public reaction: The funeral of Haxhi Thaçi, scheduled for March 18 in Skenderaj, is expected to draw a massive turnout, with thousands likely to attend in solidarity with the Thaçi family and in protest against The Hague’s handling of the case.

Kosovo’s political landscape remains divided over the legacy of the KLA, but the public sentiment is overwhelmingly in support of Thaçi and his co-defendants. The ongoing trial, the restrictions placed on them, and the public grieving of a leader’s family in the face of what is widely seen as an unjust process have only deepened the sense of national frustration.

What’s next: With mounting pressure from Albanian public opinion and officials, the Hague Tribunal may face increasing scrutiny over its treatment of former KLA leaders. However, as things stand, the likelihood of their immediate release remains small, and the court appears determined to continue the proceedings at its own pace.

The death of Haxhi Thaçi, occurring while his son remains imprisoned, has reignited demands for justice—not just for Thaçi personally, but for the broader legacy of Kosovo’s war for independence.