UNMIK Media Observer, Morning Edition, August 8, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

Thousands in Pristina protest against Specialized Chambers (media)
Rama: Kosovo’s Assembly must respond to The Hague’s injustices (media)
Prattipati urges Kosovo’s political leaders to resolve deadlock (media)
Constitutional Court’s decision-making process would be paralyzed if any judge were to leave (Koha)
Albanian-American community sends letter to Trump (media)
Igor Popoviq before the court for the plea agreement (RTK)
Convicted murderer escapes from prison in Mitrovica (media)

Serbian Language Media:

Vucic, UK's Pierce discuss Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Tanjug, media)
Mojsilovic, military commanders discuss security situation, development vision for SAF (Tanjug, media)
KFOR Commander met EU representatives, discussed security and support to dialogue (KoSSev, social media)
Prattipati meets Kurti, says blocking legitimate political parties threatens integrity of democratic process (Kosovo Online, social media)
Velebit: Djuric’s meeting with Rubio extremely important, US administration shows it respects Serbia (Kosovo Online)
Serbia ranked Emerging Innovator in EU report (N1)
UN rapporteur says Serbia violating international obligations (N1)

International Media:

Kosovo war veterans stage protest against Hague Special Court (Balkan Insight)
Kosovo veterans rally against EU-backed court prosecuting their former independence fighters (AP)
Will political deadlock in Kosovo be broken by the Constitutional Court? (European Western Balkans)

Albanian Language Media

Thousands in Pristina protest against Specialized Chambers (media)

Thousands of people gathered on Thursday in Prisitna to stage the demonstration organized by the KLA War Veterans Association, joined by other organisations deriving from the Kosovo war, to protest against the Kosovo Specialist Chambers war crimes court, accusing it of bias and of attempting to “rewrite history”.

Hysni Gucati, head of the KLA Veterans’ Organisation, told the protesters that “the Specialized Chambers has deviated from its mission. It is biased and is trying to distort history”.

“The KLA fighters were the legitimate answer of our oppressed people against the Serbian regime led by Milosevic. Our war was not only for liberation but for the existence of our people against ethnic cleansing, rapes, murders and the forceful disappearance of the Albanian identity in Kosovo,” he said.

"This court, through its biased actions and selective targeting of individuals only from one side, namely the Albanian side, is trying to rewrite history in favor of Serbia. It is attempting to create a false narrative as if Kosovo was liberated by criminals, while the truth is entirely different. The KLA, together with NATO and led by America, liberated Kosovo from the criminals in Belgrade, from the state machinery of violence and terror," he said.

Nevenka Tromp, former member of the research team in the Office of the Prosecutor at the Hague Tribunal in the case against Slobodan Milosevic, opened her speech by saying that “justice delayed is justice denied.” She emphasized that courts, laws, and justice professionals must act impartially.

“The same leaders who are now accused were the ones who supported the creation of these Chambers. They did so even though they knew the risk it posed to every fighter. Because they believed in the justice of the cause, they believed the war they fought was a just war. They believed it was a war permitted as such by the Charter of the United Nations. They fought, and they won,” said Tromp.

She said the gathering is meant to affirm that “Kosovo matters.” “Kosovo may not be a priority for global powers, but for the citizens of Kosovo, this is personal,” said Tromp.

She concluded by stating that Kosovo is not a compromise, but rather a sovereign state. “A nation of brave, resilient, democratic people who continue to believe in justice even when the world seems to look the other way,” Tromp said.

Ali Ahmeti, former founder of KLA, and current leader of the Democraatic Union for Integration (DUI) in North Macedonia, stated during the protest that the Specialist Court, instead of serving justice, has served prejudice. He said that the Court has unfairly investigated and prosecuted only Albanians and has systematically excluded Serbian state violence, which he described as the source of genocide and war crimes committed by Serbia in Kosovo.

"Moreover, it collaborates with the state structures of occupying Serbia by accepting as 'evidence' the materials provided by those who committed the crimes," he stated.

He called on the representatives of the Republic of Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia, who are members of the Council of Europe, to request a review of the Council of Europe’s 2011 Resolution, arguing that multiple sources have since confirmed that there was never any trafficking of human organs by the KLA, a falsehood, he said, which unjustly led to the creation of the Specialist Court.

Ahmeti added that Albanians will not accept their history being written by outsiders, especially not by a court, as he said, that is unqualified for such a task and has lost its integrity.

Rama: Kosovo’s Assembly must respond to The Hague’s injustices (media)

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has spoken out regarding the protest held in Pristina in support of former KLA leaders, questioning the silence of Kosovo’s institutions in the face of what he calls injustice by The Hague Tribunal. “I keep asking myself why the Assembly of Kosovo has yet to raise its voice through a resolution, without party divisions, that outlines the numerous clear violations of the basic democratic norms of due legal process by the Hague Tribunal, where the rights of Hashim Thaci and his comrades, isolated from the world for years now, have been trampled as if they mean nothing?!”

Rama added that if such a resolution were to be initiated by Kosovo’s Assembly, Albania would act in accordance: “Of course, if the Assembly of Kosovo were to pass this overdue resolution, we would immediately engage the Albanian Parliament to adopt the same text and send the voice of all Albanians to every democratic state that sponsors the Tribunal and must not tolerate any violation, let alone the destruction, of due legal process funded by its taxpayers.”

He concluded his statement with a message: “Yes, Freedom has a name, and it is not guilty.”

Prattipati urges Kosovo’s political leaders to resolve deadlock (media)

The Chargé d’Affaires in the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, met with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti on Thursday. She emphasized the urgent need for political leaders in Kosovo to take responsibility and work toward resolving the ongoing political deadlock.

“The Chargé d’Affaires, Anu Prattipati, met today with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti to underscore the urgent need for Kosovo’s political leaders to take responsibility and work together to resolve the ongoing political deadlock. She emphasized that a functioning democracy requires all citizens to freely choose their representatives. Blocking legitimate political parties, whether through political tactics or procedural obstacles, threatens the integrity of the democratic process. Chargé Prattipati called on all leaders to rise above divisions and fulfill the mandate entrusted to them by the people of Kosovo,” the U.S. Embassy stated.

The meeting was also reported by the Office of the Prime Minister. “The discussion focused on recent developments in the country and the current political situation, alongside other issues of cooperation and bilateral relations between Kosovo and the United States. This meeting also served as a farewell meeting for Ms. Devitt, the USAID Mission Director in Kosovo. The Prime Minister thanked her for her dedication and contribution to Kosovo’s society and state, wishing her health and success in her future professional endeavors,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

Constitutional Court’s decision-making process would be paralyzed if any judge were to leave (Koha)

The Constitutional Court of Kosovo faces a potential paralysis in decision-making if any of its current seven judges resigns or is removed, as the law requires a minimum of seven out of nine judges for a valid quorum. This situation has gained attention due to concerns over Judge Radomir Laban, whom President Vjosa Osmani has labeled a national security threat. Legal experts argue that while Laban’s resignation could halt the Court’s functioning, his formal dismissal is unlikely under current constitutional provisions, which require evidence of serious misconduct or a criminal conviction.

Osmani’s recent withdrawal of her request to the Court, concerning the failure to constitute the parliament after the February elections, has raised suspicions that the move aims to obstruct the Court’s ability to intervene in critical political matters. Critics question her motives and suggest the action could be intended to create institutional deadlock. Since late 2024, the Court has operated with just seven judges after two members completed their terms, and replacements have yet to be appointed due to the unconstituted parliament.

The British Embassy has urged all parties to respect the independence of the Constitutional Court and uphold the rule of law. Despite Osmani’s withdrawal, the Court still has the authority to issue a ruling on the matter. Meanwhile, it is also handling legal challenges from opposition parties regarding the stalled parliamentary process. With a key deadline approaching on August 8, the Court has yet to provide further guidance, leaving the political situation in uncertainty.

Albanian-American community sends letter to Trump (media)

The Albanian-American community, including major organizations such as AFA, Vatra, and others, has sent a letter to the U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to support mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia. In the letter, they referred to Trump as a “peacemaker of the century” and emphasized that mutual recognition is the only viable path to achieving lasting peace in the Western Balkans.

The letter underscores Kosovo’s strong pro-American position, noting its decision to remove tariffs on U.S. goods and its continued cooperation with NATO. It also criticizes Serbia for failing to implement the Washington Agreement signed in 2020 and highlights the September 2023 Banjska attack as evidence of Serbia’s ongoing destabilizing actions.

The community expressed concern that prolonging the current status quo threatens regional stability.

Igor Popoviq before the court for the plea agreement (RTK)

The Basic Court in Prishtina is expected to hold a hearing today at 10:00 AM to review the plea agreement between Igor Popoviq and the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo.

Igor Popoviq has admitted guilt for the criminal offense he is charged with, while the Special Prosecution has submitted the plea agreement to the court, which will be reviewed by the judicial panel during the session.

A decision on whether to approve or reject this agreement will be made following the court's evaluation, in accordance with the applicable legal provisions.

Convicted murderer escapes from prison in Mitrovica (media)

A convict sentenced for murder has escaped from prison in Mitrovica.The Correctional Service announced on Thursday that following the escape, the director of the Detention Center in Mitrovica, a senior supervisor, and two correctional officers have been suspended from duty. “The prisoner had been sentenced to 14 years and 6 months in prison, of which 3 years and 7 months remained. He was categorized as ‘advanced’ and, at the moment of the escape, was working in the institution’s workshop area. Additionally, he was on the list of convicts eligible for conditional release,” the announcement said.

“Immediately after noticing his absence, all internal operational procedures were activated and relevant security institutions were notified,” it continued. The Correctional Service stated that an internal investigation has been launched to clarify the circumstances of the incident and that all necessary measures will be taken in accordance with applicable legislation.

The Kosovo Police have confirmed that, despite ongoing efforts, the escaped individual has not yet been found. The police have asked people for their understanding during the operation and requested that anyone who encounters the individual call 192 or report to the nearest police station.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic, UK's Pierce discuss Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Tanjug, media)

The UK Embassy to Belgrade announced on Thursday the UK's Special Western Balkans Envoy Dame Karen Pierce had spoken with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to discuss the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, voicing concerns over the latest tensions between Belgrade and Pristina and expressing a need to resolve outstanding issues through the EU-facilitated dialogue, Tanjug news agency reported.

The discussion took place on Wednesday, August 6, the Embassy said in a post on its official X account.

"Dame Karen Pierce, Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, spoke to President (Aleksandar) Vucic yesterday to discuss her concerns over the latest tensions between Serbia and Kosovo and the need to resolve outstanding issues through the EU-facilitated Dialogue. They also discussed developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina", the post read.

The Embassy added that Pierce had stressed the UK was looking forward to welcoming Serbian representatives at Berlin Process meetings in the UK in October.

Mojsilovic, military commanders discuss security situation, development vision for SAF (Tanjug, media)

Serbian Armed Forces (SAF) Chief of Staff General Milan Mojsilovic held a working meeting with unit commanders and heads of military institutions on Thursday to discuss SAF plans and projects and the security situation in Serbia and the region, Tanjug news agency reported.

"The security challenges and other challenges we are facing require full engagement and maximum commitment in executing assigned tasks, because that is exactly how the army's strength is built and peace and stability are preserved in the country", Mojsilovic said. The meeting also addressed implementation of key tasks, the level of development and the filling of the ranks of tactical units, the security situation in the country and the region as well as the most important SAF development plans and projects, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

A substantial part of the meeting was devoted to a vision of the SAF for 2030-2035, which includes in-depth modernisation, implementation of a Digital Army project, continued acquisition of modern combat systems and large-scale investments in training infrastructure and infrastructure for life and work of SAF troops, the statement added.

KFOR Commander met EU representatives, discussed security and support to dialogue (KoSSev, social media)

“Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Major General Enrico Barduani, hosted the joint visit of the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Peter Sørensen, the EU Special Representative for Kosovo, Aivo Orav and the Head of Mission of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Major General Giovanni Pietro Barbano, at KFOR Headquarters in Camp Film City, Pristina”, KFOR said in a statement published on its Facebook account on Thursday.

“The meeting focused on the most recent developments on the security situation in Kosovo and on KFOR’s continued support to the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. General Barduani underlined the importance of sustained cooperation with the European institutions in Kosovo and among international partners engaged in regional stability. The visit testifies to the common NATO and EU commitment for durable peace, regional dialogue, and a secure environment for all communities in Kosovo.

KFOR continues to implement its mandate - based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999 - to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. KFOR works in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) in their respective roles as security responders”, the statement concluded.

Prattipati meets Kurti, says blocking legitimate political parties threatens integrity of democratic process (Kosovo Online, social media)

“Chargé d’affaires Anu Prattipati met today with Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti to underscore the urgent need for Kosovo’s political leaders to take responsibility and work together to resolve the ongoing institutional impasse. She emphasized that a functioning democracy requires all citizens to freely choose their representatives. Blocking legitimate political parties, whether through political tactics or procedural obstacles, threatens the integrity of the democratic process. Chargé Prattipati urged all leaders to move beyond divisions and fulfill the mandate entrusted to them by the people of Kosovo”, reads the post of the US Embassy in Pristina published on X social platform on Thursday.

Velebit: Djuric’s meeting with Rubio extremely important, US administration shows it respects Serbia (Kosovo Online)

Pupin Initiative President, Vuk Velebit said the visit of Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric to Washington and his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio were extremely significant for several reasons. He emphasized that the most important aspect is discussion about strategic dialogue and the fact that the US administration is showing it respects and sees Serbia as a strategic partner. He added the concept of strategic dialogue gives Serbia a kind of “reserved seat” at the table in Washington, meaning that when there is an issue, whether related to Serbs in Kosovo or otherwise, Belgrade has a direct line to Washington to discuss it.

“The visit of Minister Djuric to Washington and the meeting with Marco Rubio are highly significant for several reasons. First, because it is the first bilateral meeting in Washington in 18 years, and second, because until now we haven’t had such a high-level meeting since Donald Trump became president for his second term, and not even during his first term did such meetings with the State Department, as the main US foreign policy institution, take place”, Velebit told Kosovo Online.

International Media

Kosovo war veterans stage protest against Hague Special Court (Balkan Insight)

Kosovo Liberation Army veterans and others held a protest in Pristina against the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers, accusing it of bias and of attempting to 'rewrite history'.

Members of the Kosovo Liberation Army’s Veterans Organisation, joined by other organisations deriving from the Kosovo war and other citizens, held a protest on Thursday against the Kosovo Specialist Chambers war crimes court in Pristina, accusing it of bias and of attempting to “rewrite history”.

Faik Shehu, a former member of the KLA, travelled around 100 kilometres from the south of Kosovo to join thousands of citizens at Pristina’s main square to protest against the Hague-based Chambers, which is trying his former comrades.