Former KLA commander sentenced to 8 years in prison
(B2) The tribunal de Mitrovica, composed of international judges, condemned, this Monday (August 8), a former commander of the UCK (the independence movement), Xhemshit Krasniqi, " to a total sentence of 8 years in prison and a fine of 1.500 euros “, announces a press release from the European mission 'rule of law' in Kosovo (EULEX Kosovo).
The accused was found guilty of " war crimes against the civilian population " and " unauthorized possession and use of weapons ». He had made " illegal arrests and detentions, violation of physical integrity, torture of several witnesses and civilians in the camps that the UCK had in Kukes and Cahan (in northern Albania), as well as in Prizren in 1999. An action carried out in a gang with other members of the UCK.
During the "war of independence", the Kosovo Albanian rebels had established their main base in Kukes, a town in northern Albania near the border. Xhemshit Krasniqi was arrested on October 4, 2015, after several years on the run, during an operation launched by EULEX Kosovo special forces and the Prizren police.
The decision is subject to appeal. In the meantime, the person concerned has seen his pre-trial detention extended, " until the judgment becomes final “says the press release.
(NGV)
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