As the Trial Panel observed, the decision is not a common sense against the KLA or Kosovo but relates only to the particular defendant’s individual criminal obligation. This verdict is really a strong step towards assisting Kosovo uphold the principle of law and ensure proper rights for victims. We also commend the particular bravery of the individual victims plus witnesses who came forwards and condemn the dangers and intimidation that they have experienced. Without these courageous individuals, justice would not be possible.
The us welcomes the verdict in the case against Salih Mustafa, the very first case at the Kosovo Expert Chambers involving war offences charges. Mustafa, an ex commander in the BIA Guerrilla unit of the Kosovo Freedom Army (KLA), was found guilty of the war crimes of arbitrary detention, torture, plus murder committed at a BIA detention and interrogation web site in 1999 and sentenced to 26 years.
