The KLA War Veterans Organization held its next protest today in front of the Council of Europe Assembly in Strasbourg, demanding justice and transparency in Kosovo's judicial processes at the Special Court.
During the protest, the head of the KLA OVL, Hysni Gucati, stated that the Kosovo Liberation Army was a liberation force and not a "joint criminal organization", as alleged in the indictments of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office.
"The KLA was not a joint criminal organization. It was a liberation army that fought to liberate Kosovo from Serbian forces. We are here to say 'stop' to the injustice being done in The Hague," Gucati told the protesters.
Representatives of the OVL-UCK submitted 285 letters to members of the Assembly of the Council of Europe, expressing deep concerns about the way the process against former KLA leaders is being conducted.
In the letter, the KLA's OVL highlights several key issues that, according to them, undermine the fairness and integrity of the process.
The letter sent to the members of the Assembly states: “We would like to draw your attention to several key issues and growing concerns regarding the functioning and mandate of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC).”
In the first point, the letter recalls the manner in which the Special Court was established.
“The Kosovo Specialist Chambers were established in response to the 2010 report by the Council of Europe Rapporteur, Dick Marty, which contained allegations of organ trafficking and other serious crimes.”
One of the main concerns that the KLA OVL has expressed through this letter relates to the nature of the indictments and the duration of detention.
“The defendants have been held in custody for almost five years, despite voluntary surrender and full cooperation with the court, and all requests for bail have been rejected.”
The letter also highlights the lack of transparency.
"Many hearings have been held closed to the public. Many witnesses are anonymous and media access is extremely limited."
Another major concern relates to the source of evidence.
“The main evidence originates from the security institutions of Serbia… this raises serious doubts about the credibility and impartiality of the judicial process,” the letter from the KLA’s OVL states.
The letter also mentions the issue of conflict of interest raised in March 2025.
"The involvement of prosecutor John Devaney, who previously served as a guard in the detention unit where the defendants are currently held, has raised serious doubts about the ethical standards and impartiality of the process."
In conclusion, OVL-UCK calls on the members of the Council of Europe to take action.
“We urge you to take these concerns into consideration… so that together we can ensure a fair and balanced approach to judicial processes related to Kosovo.”
The letter was signed by the chairman of OVL-UCK, Hysni Gucati, who reiterates that the organization remains committed to justice and the protection of the rights of freedom fighters. /Telegraph/
