KLA veteran: 'Life is hard in Kosovo but we are free.'
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gezim Haxhimusa, a former member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), reflects on his life and the current trial of four KLA leaders for war crimes at The Hague. Now living a quiet life in a mountain village, Haxhimusa remains deeply tied to Kosovo's struggle for independence. He views the ongoing court proceedings as unjust, arguing that the accused are being tried without new evidence, despite previous acquittals. For many Kosovars, this trial feels like an attack on their hard-won independence.
Haxhimusa’s journey from a young man fighting for freedom to a family man in his 50s is marked by imprisonment and marginalization under Slobodan Milošević’s regime. He was jailed in the late 1980s for speaking out against Yugoslavia's policies, an experience that shaped his resolve to fight for Kosovo’s independence. His participation in the KLA was driven by a desire to protect his people after the brutal Prekaz massacre in 1998, which claimed the lives of over 50 ethnic Albanians.
The trial at The Hague has sparked widespread criticism in Kosovo, with many viewing it as an unfair intrusion into their sovereignty. Haxhimusa and others argue that these leaders were already acquitted for similar charges during the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The court is seen by many Kosovars as a symbol of colonial justice, undermining the legitimacy of their hard-fought independence.
The case has reignited tensions between Kosovo and international authorities, particularly the European Union, which supported the establishment of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Critics argue that the trials lack transparency and fairness, further alienating an already divided population. For Haxhimusa, the trial represents more than just legal proceedings—it is a symbolic battle over how Kosovo’s history and sacrifices are perceived.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of justice and reconciliation in post-conflict societies. While some see the trials as necessary for accountability, others view
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026