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Haradinaj and his co-fighters cleared of all counts (Radio Kosova)

Partial retrial of former KLA commander for operational zone of Dukagjini, Ramush Haradinaj and two of his co-fighters Lahi Ibrahimaj and Idriz Balaj started in July 2010 with the three men accused of inhumane treatment and killing of prisoners in a KLA camp in Jabllanica during the period of 1 March until September 1998. However, the prosecution, according to the judge Maloto, did not achieve to present credible evidence. In 2008, Ramush Haradinaj and Idriz Balaj were acquitted from all charges for war crimes and crimes against humanity, while the third accused Lahi Ibrahimaj was convicted to six years in prison for cruel treatment of torture of prisoners. The case went on retrial more than two years ago with the request of prosecution to present the testimonies from two additional witnesses, but after more than two years the three accused Ramush Haradinaj, Idriz Balaj and Lahi Ibrahimaj have been cleared of all charges. At the time of the verdict, many citizens gathered in Mother Theresa Square in Pristina and watched in big screens the live readout of the final decision for Ramush Haradinaj and two of his co-fighters Idriz Balaj and Lahi Ibrahimaj. After the acquitting of Haradinaj, Pristina celebrated with fireworks while the roads filled up with people. Radio Kosova reports that the release of Haradinaj and his co-fighters has been also celebrated in Gllogjan. Meantime that at 13:30 hrs citizens from Gllogjan will head to the airport “Adem Jashari” to wait for the arrival of Ramush Haradinaj. The release of Haradinaj is also being celebrated in Gjakova. Thousands of citizens have marched in the streets of Gjakova to celebrate the release of Ramush Haradinaj and his co-fighters Idriz Balaj and Lahi Ibrahimaj. Their acquittal has been evaluated as a historic moment for the new history of Kosovo, said the first deputy leader of AAK, Blerim Shala, in a press conference. He said that he wishes to see Haradinaj lead the Kosovo Government while pointing out a possible direct involvement of AAK in the government. “The release of Ramush Haradinaj announced today by The Hague Tribunal reconfirms the new history of Kosovo in the chapter of the liberation war of  1998/99. Ramush Haradinaj was the first personality who went in The Hague Tribunal twice and was acquitted twice”, said Shala. He said that if it is necessary AAK will be activated directly in the Government. Shala also said that it is necessary for Ramush Haradinaj to be in the head of the Kosovo Government. Radio Kosova reports that the arrival of Ramush Haradinaj, Idriz Balaj and Lahi Ibrahimaj in Pristina is expected today. AAK officials said Haradinaj will hold a speech in Mother Theresa square upon his arrival in Pristina. All the activities for the Haradinaj arrival have been organized with the support of Prime Minister.