Kosovo Veterans Rally Against EU Court: A Battle for Legacy

Kosovo war veterans protested in Pristina against an EU-backed court prosecuting former KLA fighters, claiming bias and injustice. Thousands gathered to support the detained leaders, emphasizing their role as heroes. The court, established after a 2011 Council of Europe report, has charged top KLA figures with war crimes.

In Kosovo's capital, Pristina, thousands of war veterans took to the streets to protest the European Union-backed court prosecuting their former comrades from the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). With chants and placards, they voiced claims of bias and injustice against the tribunal.

The protest, organized by the veterans group OVL-UCK, saw participants gather under the motto: 'Together against injustice. KLA is glory, not indictment.' No incidents of violence were reported during the demonstration.

Criticism of the court, which is reviewing grave accusations against former KLA leaders such as Kosovo's ex-President Hashim Thaci, reflects ongoing tensions. The court was established following allegations made in a 2011 European Council report, leading to significant controversy and heated public discourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)