The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has reacted to the Appeals Court’s ruling against Skenderaj/Srbica Mayor, Sami Lushtaku, on war crimes charges saying it is unfounded. “The Democratic Party of Kosovo considers that the current sentence of Mr. Lushtaku on a charge that was already dropped by the court earlier is unfounded and we believe that Mr. Lushtaku’s innocence will be reconfirmed,” the statement issued by the party reads.

Basic Court in Mitrovica has decided to transfer former KLA commander Sami Lushtaku to the high-security prison in Gerdofc, Podujeva, said EULEX spokesperson Besa Domi. The decision was taken after a hearing session that ended just before midnight. Lushtaku is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for war crimes. Yesterday, he disappeared from the Prishtina hospital after being taken there for treatment. He was arrested shortly after by EULEX.

The Mayor of Skenderaj and former commander of the Kosovo Liberation Army, Sami Lushtaku, sent an open letter on Thursday to all those working in the judiciary, after he was found guilty for war crimes last week.  In his letter, Lushtaku writes that it was not easy to argue that they he didn’t kill a civilian. “When one does not know his family, and who he is, this means that he doesn’t exist,” Lushtaku writes.  “Therefore, as foreseen by the law, together with my lawyer we will file a complaint.