Haradinaj arrested, transferred to Hague

"The Hague prosecution stated in its appeal that there were threats and intimidation against witnesses in the initial trial, adding that the judges stated in the verdict that many witnesses said that they did not want to appear in court out of fear."

Intimidated and threaded witnesses. It says a lot about the "democracy" and "rule of law" in Kosovo. It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries.

And the worst thing is: Those indicted and "freed" persons are still playing active roles as politicians in Kosovo nowadays.

Winston: "Is it just me, or does anyone else sense a shifting justice towards the Serbian side, and away from the Albanians."

I sense that too - even the BBC is carrying this story when there has been absolutely nothing there about the ICJ or anything remotely bringing into question the Kosovo project.

I agree that these people should have a proper trial and I hope that witnesses and their families will be protected carefully.

I have never heard of a court retrying after an acquittal, and I know that the Hague can also do this even if a conviction is quashed. But in this case Patrick Robinson's argument that there had been a miscarriage of justice due to the underestimation of intimidation seems to be fair grounds for a retrial.

I hope that some of the terrible crimes of the KLA never even mentioned will now at least be heard by some people. The turning of a blind eye towards KLA atrocities is a crime in itself, and the stories should be told.

My hope is that the bias will end, justice will be served for all, and a realistic solution is found for the future.

Here's hoping. Hope, the mother of outrage and courage.

Doesn't anyone else think it is rather odd for the Hague to do this right before the ICJ verdict? It seems that they are trying to appease Serbia before a negative ICJ ruling, this is how these immoral colonialists play their games. I hope I am wrong, but this is what it looks like to me.

Good to see this coward is going to be retried for a small portion of his atrocities. Hopefully he cannot kill or intimidate these witnesses and he gets what he deserves.

Good post, Top. The former(maybe still active) KLA criminals, especially their leaders like Haradinaj, have been given a free ride for their alleged crimes - unable to be fairly tried because of withness intimidation, and probably murder. Hopefully, the Hague has grown some nuts and can acquire the evidence they need to put these Albanians criminal clan family members away for a very long time. Serious crimes against minorites were committed in Kosovo i Metohija during the civil conflict, the remains of bodies is proof. Serbs have, and continue to pay for their crimes, the courts must put away their bias, most likely forced by the US/EU, and now be impartial in their trials. Is it just me, or does anyone else sense a shifting justice towards the Serbian side, and away from the Albanians. It's about time the international courts started behaving in an unbiased and lawful manner.

I'm sorry but this court is pathetic! If the International Hague Tribunal is not in a position to hold a proper trial and finds it's very own proceedings wrong then what hope is there really for justice??
This sort of reminds of Kafka's The Trial where even an acquitted person is never actually free!
(adrian kola, 21 July 2010 10:40)
===================

We've been saying that for a long time but you guys kept telling us that we should send more of our own there.

I'm glad you finally agree with us.

You had no problem with the Hague court while they were prosecuting and sentencing Serbs, did you Mr. Kola? Former KLA leader, Haradinaj intimidated witnesses, the Hague judges even said so. Do you think that is OK and fair? What if those intimidated withnesses presented proof that implicated Mr. Haradinaj that he committed war crimes? The families of war victims must know the truth, and the doers of evil must be made accountable and be punished for their crimes. That is how a just and democratic world must function.

Mr. Kola, you did not think the hague court was pathetic when it was prosecuting and convicting Serbs, did you? Mr. Haradinaj has intimidated, and probably eliminated withnesses, the Hague judges even stated so. This is an alienation of justice, so a retrial is definitely in order. If all witnesses can come forward with out fear of retribution, then a fair trial can be accomplished, and a just verdict can be reached. The way the western, democratic justice system works is quite simple, really.

It will take decades, but more Albanians war criminals will go to the Hague to face justice.

Good to hear. Haradinaj is a monster and a maniac, and his acquittal in April 2008 made the Hague a complete joke.

can´t believe that the Albanians are considering this simple criminal ( without taking into account the monstrosity of his crimes against Serbs and Albanians as well ) as their "hero" -

he looks so stupid, even while wearing a suit.

Touchy, you´re next.

"the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!"
adrian kola

You forgot to mention Enver Hoxha.

@ Dragan - Or they are showing good faith to try and get Serbia on side for future negotiations.

It's a pitty to listen to certain comments that use everything they can in order to discreditate the will of a whole population. Personally I think that it is a good thing that hague has reopened the case - if witnesses have been threatened or worse, killed, then the case should be revised. If Haradinaj is guilty for what they accuse him, he deserves to stay all his life in prison. I would just be happy - a criminal less! But, dear Top, this has nothing to do with the self - rule of the country, it is untouchable. Every country has passed through million difficulties, this is the turn of Kosovo. What Top tries to do is what slavic (and i really mean slavic - serbian, montenegrin, macedonian etc)propaganda has done in the last century, shaping stereotypes on albanians and treating them as second class citiziens. Comments like yours (and unfortunately shared by many people in this forum) are the cause of the separation. I look frequentley on this fourm and i always see that many posters (of both sides) miss the point. It is not a question of who's bigger or has more allies, these arguments are just nonsense. The point is; prejudices are so radicated that the only solution is to live apart, and maybe one day to sit as equals in a round table. This is the only real solution.

This is one of the biggest uck terrorists! But noone should expect justice from this anti serb american run 'court.'

I'm not sure what your point is, KU - and I have never heard of the term "grade"in reference to an appeal. Anyway, what is the point is, the prosecution has won an appeal on the basis that the defendent (Haradinaj) intimidated, and or had murdered vital witnesses. Don't you want to see justice served, KU?

"But in general, the current government in Serbia is "clean", unlike the one in Kosovo.
(Top, 21 July 2010 13:47) "

Yes, and it took few A wars over 100,000 people in the Balkans paid with their lives until Serbia 'cleaned' its goverment.

Thaci and Haradinaj out of Kosovo & Metohija just before ICJ ???????

@ Top. You still miss the point (or you just try to evade)!! You know very well why people vote Thaci and Haradinaj (don't you remember that they voted for a long time Rugova, but noone listened to them?) and if you don't then maybe this discussion is nonsense since you are so very little informed. I stress it once again - to me Thaci and Haradinaj (and many other people that unfortunately today cover the political situation in Kosovo)are just a bunch of criminals, but this is a result of what has happened in the last decades. Still, this has nothing to with independence as politicians pass, a state remains. Any comparison with Serbia is totally out of place as they have two different state histories (i give you a clue: one has a long history and the other one needs to build it). Every attempte to compare these things is just childish and ridiculous. I pitty very much even the albanian posters here when they try to strut stating that Kosovo is better and bigger and bla bla bla. This is just the result of a strong frsutration and a slight balkan stupidity (i am better and bigger than you so i deserve more rights). The mature and wise approach to this issue is to be realistic and look at the core of the situation. Kosovo will need a lot of time to become a real and democratic state, but it will be worth it. "It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries. " - phrases like this which have been the origin of the conflict, will never harm again the population, and, hopefully, with the passing of the time these free insults will disappear.

It will take decades, but more Albanians war criminals will go to the Hague to face justice.
(Gladko, 21 July 2010)

While our criminals are going to Hague for retrials you are still hiding yours.

Another example of a world dictated to by the usa. What do your expect when they indict him, he gives himself up for a brief time, and they let him go to participate in politics while he awaits trial. Justice delayed is justice denied.

New evidence against hardinaj smells a whole lot like "yellow house"...
$8 million was spend on his defense the first time,and we know the way to make that kind of money is finally coming to bite him where the sun does not shine..

Sending prime minister Haradinaj to Hague one day before ICJ opinion on Kosovo status! This is clearly a deal between Serbia and current Kosovo government so Tadic and Thaqi can make a compromise. Other reason is, so Thaqi can go on election of 2011 with no opponent. This has nothing to do with the alleged victims of war.

"It's a pitty to listen to certain comments that use everything they can in order to discreditate the will of a whole population. Personally I think that it is a good thing that hague has reopened the case - if witnesses have been threatened or worse, killed, then the case should be revised. If Haradinaj is guilty for what they accuse him, he deserves to stay all his life in prison. I would just be happy - a criminal less! But, dear Top, this has nothing to do with the self - rule of the country, it is untouchable"

This is not against the self-rule of the people. I just don't understand why the people in Kosovo freely and without pressure voted in democratic elections for people like Thaci and Haradinaj. It looks for me like the will of the people in Kosovo is to be ruled by gentlemen like those.

About Serbia: The majority of people once voted for Milosevic, and there is still a big group of people who would vote for other war criminals, one party even has a person spending is time in The Hague as their leader.
But in general, the current government in Serbia is "clean", unlike the one in Kosovo.

Doh!!

One day before the ICJ verdict too -- very strong message!

I'm sorry but this court is pathetic! If the International Hague Tribunal is not in a position to hold a proper trial and finds it's very own proceedings wrong then what hope is there really for justice??
This sort of reminds of Kafka's The Trial where even an acquitted person is never actually free!

Haradinaj was already in court and the same institution acquitted him of any wrongdoings. Serbia on teh other hand willingly and intentionally has been avoiding to arrest the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!
(adrian kola, 21 July 2010 18:35)
=====================

I don't get it. You were so critical of Hague in you last post and I only agreed. Why are you now changing? Are you saying that Hague is a joke or not?

"It seems that you know [Haradinaj] personally to have such strong words about someone." (miri)

-- It seems you know him even better to get all upset about it.

There are lots of roumors about Haradinaj and his activities. I hope that all of them are dealt with for the sake of Justice.

"TOP
Intimidated and threaded witnesses. It says a lot about the "democracy" and "rule of law" in Kosovo. It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries.

And the worst thing is: Those indicted and "freed" persons are still playing active roles as politicians in Kosovo nowadays."

Top, your post could be correct and it applies to Serbia too.

the first retrial in the tribunal's 17-year history...against the former Prime Minister of Kosovo...the day before the ICJ ruling?

This is a message to current Prime Minister Thaci not to disobey his masters after July 22.

Thaci probably informed his masters that he definitely plans to show Serbia who is boss by sending police/military(violence) to the North of Kosovo.

An explosion of violence in N.Kosovo is the last thing Europe wants. Desperate to control him, his masters engineer a warning for Thaci that he can clearly understand: "you disobey US and spark a war then we will send you to the Hague despite our past support for Kosovo. And if you think we are bluffing then watch what will happen to Prime Minister Haradinaj."

"Haradinaj on the other hand was a freedom fighter, who fought against Serbian repression and his crimes are no greater than Tudjman's or Izetbegovic's." (adrian Kola)

-- Funny. Enough Serbs think the "terrorist" Mladic was also a "freedom fighter". Just a simple shift in interpretation can turn a criminal into a saint. Perhaps you can meet up with one and swap T-shirts?

Good to hear. Haradinaj is a monster and a maniac, and his acquittal in April 2008 made the Hague a complete joke.
(Mike, 21 July 2010 16:13)

It seems that you know him personally to have such strong words about someone.

It will take decades, but more Albanians war criminals will go to the Hague to face justice.
(Gladko, 21 July 2010 13:23)
Remember Serbia and Russia are trying to end the Hague mandate.

Hey, B92
Did you hear about a new mass grave with ethnic-Albanians in Montenegro,or it is not worth-ed for you to report about it?

To all posters here:

Justice has to be independet, if you like or not, if its your hero or a criminal.

If there are not enough evidences threre will be an aquittal, if there are new evidence there will be a retrail. It there are enough evidence, there will be a verdict.

Thats European Standard, if you like or not!

You can choose, if you want become member of Europe or stay in an state of unjustice.

Its your decision, its your region, its your life and its your and your childrens future.

Yes, and it took few A wars over 100,000 people in the Balkans paid with their lives until Serbia 'cleaned' its goverment. Nikshala

Not even then.

Their messages are of the same content as Milosevic messages.
EU is again trying to solve things just like they did during Milosevic regime.

Sorry Nik/Mik, but I see no difference

Thaci and Haradinaj out of Kosovo & Metohija just before ICJ ???????
(Aleksandar, 21 July 2010 16:40)

Well in fact, most of Serbs are out!

"Kosovo will need a lot of time to become a real and democratic state, but it will be worth it."
I can only agree to this, but to become a real and democratic state, people have to change their attitude and behaviour.

"It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries. " - phrases like this which have been the origin of the conflict, will never harm again the population, and, hopefully, with the passing of the time these free insults will disappear.
(Rovena, 21 July 2010 14:45)

Why is this a harm? This is obvious, and that's the source of the corruption.

If you don't like the words "tribal structures", then call it "mafia structures", where family clans think they can rule some region, and they provide their friends and families with jobs and public investments.
Hey, similar things can be found in Italy, too, and around the balkans, so it's nothing specific to Kosovo - but something that should be fought against in a real democratic state.

No love lost for Haradinaj, but it is funny to read the renaming of terms here. The prosecution apparently appealed. The most normal justice procedure in the world, appealing, is being called names. And some people never heard of it?!?!?! Kate, when a defendant wins in first grade, prosecution usually appeals in second grade and vice versa. It is a fundamental procedure, that gives one of the parties another chance, in case there were mistakes in first grade. Usually the decision of the first grade is confirmed, but sometimes it is reversed. In most countries there are third and fourth grades appeals until you get to higher level courts, like constitutional courts or European courts etc etc. I guarantee you that had the prosecution won Haradinaj would have appealed. I guarantee you Karadzic will appeal in case he loses. I guarantee you that in the majority of cases in the world the party which loses appeals.

To the likes of 'karlsdad' and 'peggy'

Haradinaj was already in court and the same institution acquitted him of any wrongdoings. Serbia on teh other hand willingly and intentionally has been avoiding to arrest the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!

"Justice has to be independet, if you like or not, if its your hero or a criminal.

If there are not enough evidences threre will be an aquittal, if there are new evidence there will be a retrail. It there are enough evidence, there will be a verdict. "
(robby, 21 July 2010 16:25)

Exactly that. But people here prefer to believe in "anti serbian" courts.

It's simple, it's simple, it's sad, but true: If witnesses are killed or intimidated, and there's no other proof of guilt, then the alleged perpetrator has to be released and cannot be found guilty. And if an alleged criminal dies before he's found guilty because of self-inflicted delays, he dies innocent.

"he was a dictator like Milosevic"

President Milosevic was elected in several referendums, Hoxa was not. However, any leader that USA/IMF dislikes and their corporate media spews propaganda against are, after initial sanctions and threats,regarded as "dictators"

While our criminals are going to Hague for retrials you are still hiding yours.
(Zoti, 21 July 2010 15:00)
==================

You make me laugh. Remember all the problems with getting Ceku to face court? Who is protecting him from having his day in court?

Haradinaj was already in court and the same institution acquitted him of any wrongdoings. Serbia on teh other hand willingly and intentionally has been avoiding to arrest the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!
(adrian kola, 21 July 2010 18:35)

Well we should all be grateful that you have been near a history book or two in your life but unfortunately you seem not to have actually read any of them in any depth or maybe just forgotten (or maybe you never knew) of the many other great massacres by dictators and their lieutenants of the twentieth century. Blessed are the ignorant!

to Mikael C

Enver Hoxha was a terrorist too as far as I'm concerned, but i'm sure there's a small minority of my compatriots who would disagree. He deserves to be in that list too.... this is the first time I actually agree with you on anything!!

Haradinaj on the other hand was a freedom fighter, who fought against Serbian repression and his crimes are no greater than Tudjman's or Izetbegovic's.

Enver Hoxha was a terrorist too as far as I'm concerned, but i'm sure there's a small minority of my compatriots who would disagree. He deserves to be in that list too.... this is the first time I actually agree with you on anything!!

Haradinaj on the other hand was a freedom fighter, who fought against Serbian repression and his crimes are no greater than Tudjman's or Izetbegovic's.
(adrian Kola)

Hoxha was not a terrorist he was a dictator like Milosevic. There's a difference between the two, albeit not a big one.

I'm not sure what your point is, KU - and I have never heard of the term "grade"in reference to an appeal. Anyway, what is the point is, the prosecution has won an appeal on the basis that the defendent (Haradinaj) intimidated, and or had murdered vital witnesses. Don't you want to see justice served, KU?
(kalifornija, 21 July 2010 15:34)
===================

Let's go even further. I would like to see him pay for the murder of witnesses as well. Is he going to be tried for those murders as well. Justice has to be done for all.

You make me laugh. Remember all the problems with getting Ceku to face court? Who is protecting him from having his day in court?
(Peggy, 22 July 2010 01:52)

Peggy, Ceku even went and met Putin in Moscow. Russia does have extradition deals with Serbia; yet they did nothing.

@ KU - Yes, the defendants appeal, but usually the prosecution cannot appeal a conviction or try for the same crime twice.

To Mike and the like

Was Serbia deprived of any freedom in the early 90s?

President Milosevic was elected in several referendums, Hoxa was not. However, any leader that USA/IMF dislikes and their corporate media spews propaganda against are, after initial sanctions and threats,regarded as "dictators"
(wtf, 22 July 2010)

I didn't need the Western media to tell whether Milosevic was a dictator, I already knew that long before the West.

As for Hoxha he was not a king he was elected every 4 years by the communist party as its general secretary. He was neither a president nor a pm but still effectively ruled the country, much like Putin does today in Russia regardless of his title.

P.S. Show some respect for B92 when you choose your anonymous posting nick.

Innocent man is being held in prison.
I wonder why Americans and other nations are not being accused for crimes done during Iraq war, Afghanistan, Libya, etc
I call all Albanians around the world to become funs of facebook page KERKOJM LIRIMIN E RAMUSH HAREDINAJ. in this way you are helping me to help our heroes.
Regards
Fatmir Hasani

To the likes of 'karlsdad' and 'peggy'

Haradinaj was already in court and the same institution acquitted him of any wrongdoings. Serbia on teh other hand willingly and intentionally has been avoiding to arrest the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!

I'm sorry but this court is pathetic! If the International Hague Tribunal is not in a position to hold a proper trial and finds it's very own proceedings wrong then what hope is there really for justice??
This sort of reminds of Kafka's The Trial where even an acquitted person is never actually free!

It will take decades, but more Albanians war criminals will go to the Hague to face justice.
(Gladko, 21 July 2010)

While our criminals are going to Hague for retrials you are still hiding yours.

There are lots of roumors about Haradinaj and his activities. I hope that all of them are dealt with for the sake of Justice.

"TOP
Intimidated and threaded witnesses. It says a lot about the "democracy" and "rule of law" in Kosovo. It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries.

And the worst thing is: Those indicted and "freed" persons are still playing active roles as politicians in Kosovo nowadays."

Top, your post could be correct and it applies to Serbia too.

Good to hear. Haradinaj is a monster and a maniac, and his acquittal in April 2008 made the Hague a complete joke.
(Mike, 21 July 2010 16:13)

It seems that you know him personally to have such strong words about someone.

"But in general, the current government in Serbia is "clean", unlike the one in Kosovo.
(Top, 21 July 2010 13:47) "

Yes, and it took few A wars over 100,000 people in the Balkans paid with their lives until Serbia 'cleaned' its goverment.

"The Hague prosecution stated in its appeal that there were threats and intimidation against witnesses in the initial trial, adding that the judges stated in the verdict that many witnesses said that they did not want to appear in court out of fear."

Intimidated and threaded witnesses. It says a lot about the "democracy" and "rule of law" in Kosovo. It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries.

And the worst thing is: Those indicted and "freed" persons are still playing active roles as politicians in Kosovo nowadays.

Yes, and it took few A wars over 100,000 people in the Balkans paid with their lives until Serbia 'cleaned' its goverment. Nikshala

Not even then.

Their messages are of the same content as Milosevic messages.
EU is again trying to solve things just like they did during Milosevic regime.

Sorry Nik/Mik, but I see no difference

to Mikael C

Enver Hoxha was a terrorist too as far as I'm concerned, but i'm sure there's a small minority of my compatriots who would disagree. He deserves to be in that list too.... this is the first time I actually agree with you on anything!!

Haradinaj on the other hand was a freedom fighter, who fought against Serbian repression and his crimes are no greater than Tudjman's or Izetbegovic's.

Thaci and Haradinaj out of Kosovo & Metohija just before ICJ ???????
(Aleksandar, 21 July 2010 16:40)

Well in fact, most of Serbs are out!

It's a pitty to listen to certain comments that use everything they can in order to discreditate the will of a whole population. Personally I think that it is a good thing that hague has reopened the case - if witnesses have been threatened or worse, killed, then the case should be revised. If Haradinaj is guilty for what they accuse him, he deserves to stay all his life in prison. I would just be happy - a criminal less! But, dear Top, this has nothing to do with the self - rule of the country, it is untouchable. Every country has passed through million difficulties, this is the turn of Kosovo. What Top tries to do is what slavic (and i really mean slavic - serbian, montenegrin, macedonian etc)propaganda has done in the last century, shaping stereotypes on albanians and treating them as second class citiziens. Comments like yours (and unfortunately shared by many people in this forum) are the cause of the separation. I look frequentley on this fourm and i always see that many posters (of both sides) miss the point. It is not a question of who's bigger or has more allies, these arguments are just nonsense. The point is; prejudices are so radicated that the only solution is to live apart, and maybe one day to sit as equals in a round table. This is the only real solution.

Sending prime minister Haradinaj to Hague one day before ICJ opinion on Kosovo status! This is clearly a deal between Serbia and current Kosovo government so Tadic and Thaqi can make a compromise. Other reason is, so Thaqi can go on election of 2011 with no opponent. This has nothing to do with the alleged victims of war.

Good post, Top. The former(maybe still active) KLA criminals, especially their leaders like Haradinaj, have been given a free ride for their alleged crimes - unable to be fairly tried because of withness intimidation, and probably murder. Hopefully, the Hague has grown some nuts and can acquire the evidence they need to put these Albanians criminal clan family members away for a very long time. Serious crimes against minorites were committed in Kosovo i Metohija during the civil conflict, the remains of bodies is proof. Serbs have, and continue to pay for their crimes, the courts must put away their bias, most likely forced by the US/EU, and now be impartial in their trials. Is it just me, or does anyone else sense a shifting justice towards the Serbian side, and away from the Albanians. It's about time the international courts started behaving in an unbiased and lawful manner.

Winston: "Is it just me, or does anyone else sense a shifting justice towards the Serbian side, and away from the Albanians."

I sense that too - even the BBC is carrying this story when there has been absolutely nothing there about the ICJ or anything remotely bringing into question the Kosovo project.

I agree that these people should have a proper trial and I hope that witnesses and their families will be protected carefully.

I have never heard of a court retrying after an acquittal, and I know that the Hague can also do this even if a conviction is quashed. But in this case Patrick Robinson's argument that there had been a miscarriage of justice due to the underestimation of intimidation seems to be fair grounds for a retrial.

I hope that some of the terrible crimes of the KLA never even mentioned will now at least be heard by some people. The turning of a blind eye towards KLA atrocities is a crime in itself, and the stories should be told.

My hope is that the bias will end, justice will be served for all, and a realistic solution is found for the future.

Here's hoping. Hope, the mother of outrage and courage.

It will take decades, but more Albanians war criminals will go to the Hague to face justice.
(Gladko, 21 July 2010 13:23)
Remember Serbia and Russia are trying to end the Hague mandate.

Hey, B92
Did you hear about a new mass grave with ethnic-Albanians in Montenegro,or it is not worth-ed for you to report about it?

Doesn't anyone else think it is rather odd for the Hague to do this right before the ICJ verdict? It seems that they are trying to appease Serbia before a negative ICJ ruling, this is how these immoral colonialists play their games. I hope I am wrong, but this is what it looks like to me.

can´t believe that the Albanians are considering this simple criminal ( without taking into account the monstrosity of his crimes against Serbs and Albanians as well ) as their "hero" -

he looks so stupid, even while wearing a suit.

Touchy, you´re next.

Good to see this coward is going to be retried for a small portion of his atrocities. Hopefully he cannot kill or intimidate these witnesses and he gets what he deserves.

Good to hear. Haradinaj is a monster and a maniac, and his acquittal in April 2008 made the Hague a complete joke.

To Mike and the like

Was Serbia deprived of any freedom in the early 90s?

"It's a pitty to listen to certain comments that use everything they can in order to discreditate the will of a whole population. Personally I think that it is a good thing that hague has reopened the case - if witnesses have been threatened or worse, killed, then the case should be revised. If Haradinaj is guilty for what they accuse him, he deserves to stay all his life in prison. I would just be happy - a criminal less! But, dear Top, this has nothing to do with the self - rule of the country, it is untouchable"

This is not against the self-rule of the people. I just don't understand why the people in Kosovo freely and without pressure voted in democratic elections for people like Thaci and Haradinaj. It looks for me like the will of the people in Kosovo is to be ruled by gentlemen like those.

About Serbia: The majority of people once voted for Milosevic, and there is still a big group of people who would vote for other war criminals, one party even has a person spending is time in The Hague as their leader.
But in general, the current government in Serbia is "clean", unlike the one in Kosovo.

You had no problem with the Hague court while they were prosecuting and sentencing Serbs, did you Mr. Kola? Former KLA leader, Haradinaj intimidated witnesses, the Hague judges even said so. Do you think that is OK and fair? What if those intimidated withnesses presented proof that implicated Mr. Haradinaj that he committed war crimes? The families of war victims must know the truth, and the doers of evil must be made accountable and be punished for their crimes. That is how a just and democratic world must function.

@ Top. You still miss the point (or you just try to evade)!! You know very well why people vote Thaci and Haradinaj (don't you remember that they voted for a long time Rugova, but noone listened to them?) and if you don't then maybe this discussion is nonsense since you are so very little informed. I stress it once again - to me Thaci and Haradinaj (and many other people that unfortunately today cover the political situation in Kosovo)are just a bunch of criminals, but this is a result of what has happened in the last decades. Still, this has nothing to with independence as politicians pass, a state remains. Any comparison with Serbia is totally out of place as they have two different state histories (i give you a clue: one has a long history and the other one needs to build it). Every attempte to compare these things is just childish and ridiculous. I pitty very much even the albanian posters here when they try to strut stating that Kosovo is better and bigger and bla bla bla. This is just the result of a strong frsutration and a slight balkan stupidity (i am better and bigger than you so i deserve more rights). The mature and wise approach to this issue is to be realistic and look at the core of the situation. Kosovo will need a lot of time to become a real and democratic state, but it will be worth it. "It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries. " - phrases like this which have been the origin of the conflict, will never harm again the population, and, hopefully, with the passing of the time these free insults will disappear.

Enver Hoxha was a terrorist too as far as I'm concerned, but i'm sure there's a small minority of my compatriots who would disagree. He deserves to be in that list too.... this is the first time I actually agree with you on anything!!

Haradinaj on the other hand was a freedom fighter, who fought against Serbian repression and his crimes are no greater than Tudjman's or Izetbegovic's.
(adrian Kola)

Hoxha was not a terrorist he was a dictator like Milosevic. There's a difference between the two, albeit not a big one.

@ Dragan - Or they are showing good faith to try and get Serbia on side for future negotiations.

Thaci and Haradinaj out of Kosovo & Metohija just before ICJ ???????

"the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!"
adrian kola

You forgot to mention Enver Hoxha.

Another example of a world dictated to by the usa. What do your expect when they indict him, he gives himself up for a brief time, and they let him go to participate in politics while he awaits trial. Justice delayed is justice denied.

This is one of the biggest uck terrorists! But noone should expect justice from this anti serb american run 'court.'

I'm sorry but this court is pathetic! If the International Hague Tribunal is not in a position to hold a proper trial and finds it's very own proceedings wrong then what hope is there really for justice??
This sort of reminds of Kafka's The Trial where even an acquitted person is never actually free!
(adrian kola, 21 July 2010 10:40)
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We've been saying that for a long time but you guys kept telling us that we should send more of our own there.

I'm glad you finally agree with us.

It will take decades, but more Albanians war criminals will go to the Hague to face justice.

New evidence against hardinaj smells a whole lot like "yellow house"...
$8 million was spend on his defense the first time,and we know the way to make that kind of money is finally coming to bite him where the sun does not shine..

"Kosovo will need a lot of time to become a real and democratic state, but it will be worth it."
I can only agree to this, but to become a real and democratic state, people have to change their attitude and behaviour.

"It sounds more like the typical tribal structures, found in 3rd world countries. " - phrases like this which have been the origin of the conflict, will never harm again the population, and, hopefully, with the passing of the time these free insults will disappear.
(Rovena, 21 July 2010 14:45)

Why is this a harm? This is obvious, and that's the source of the corruption.

If you don't like the words "tribal structures", then call it "mafia structures", where family clans think they can rule some region, and they provide their friends and families with jobs and public investments.
Hey, similar things can be found in Italy, too, and around the balkans, so it's nothing specific to Kosovo - but something that should be fought against in a real democratic state.

Mr. Kola, you did not think the hague court was pathetic when it was prosecuting and convicting Serbs, did you? Mr. Haradinaj has intimidated, and probably eliminated withnesses, the Hague judges even stated so. This is an alienation of justice, so a retrial is definitely in order. If all witnesses can come forward with out fear of retribution, then a fair trial can be accomplished, and a just verdict can be reached. The way the western, democratic justice system works is quite simple, really.

I'm not sure what your point is, KU - and I have never heard of the term "grade"in reference to an appeal. Anyway, what is the point is, the prosecution has won an appeal on the basis that the defendent (Haradinaj) intimidated, and or had murdered vital witnesses. Don't you want to see justice served, KU?

"Justice has to be independet, if you like or not, if its your hero or a criminal.

If there are not enough evidences threre will be an aquittal, if there are new evidence there will be a retrail. It there are enough evidence, there will be a verdict. "
(robby, 21 July 2010 16:25)

Exactly that. But people here prefer to believe in "anti serbian" courts.

It's simple, it's simple, it's sad, but true: If witnesses are killed or intimidated, and there's no other proof of guilt, then the alleged perpetrator has to be released and cannot be found guilty. And if an alleged criminal dies before he's found guilty because of self-inflicted delays, he dies innocent.

Haradinaj was already in court and the same institution acquitted him of any wrongdoings. Serbia on teh other hand willingly and intentionally has been avoiding to arrest the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!
(adrian kola, 21 July 2010 18:35)
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I don't get it. You were so critical of Hague in you last post and I only agreed. Why are you now changing? Are you saying that Hague is a joke or not?

You make me laugh. Remember all the problems with getting Ceku to face court? Who is protecting him from having his day in court?
(Peggy, 22 July 2010 01:52)

Peggy, Ceku even went and met Putin in Moscow. Russia does have extradition deals with Serbia; yet they did nothing.

President Milosevic was elected in several referendums, Hoxa was not. However, any leader that USA/IMF dislikes and their corporate media spews propaganda against are, after initial sanctions and threats,regarded as "dictators"
(wtf, 22 July 2010)

I didn't need the Western media to tell whether Milosevic was a dictator, I already knew that long before the West.

As for Hoxha he was not a king he was elected every 4 years by the communist party as its general secretary. He was neither a president nor a pm but still effectively ruled the country, much like Putin does today in Russia regardless of his title.

P.S. Show some respect for B92 when you choose your anonymous posting nick.

To all posters here:

Justice has to be independet, if you like or not, if its your hero or a criminal.

If there are not enough evidences threre will be an aquittal, if there are new evidence there will be a retrail. It there are enough evidence, there will be a verdict.

Thats European Standard, if you like or not!

You can choose, if you want become member of Europe or stay in an state of unjustice.

Its your decision, its your region, its your life and its your and your childrens future.

"Haradinaj on the other hand was a freedom fighter, who fought against Serbian repression and his crimes are no greater than Tudjman's or Izetbegovic's." (adrian Kola)

-- Funny. Enough Serbs think the "terrorist" Mladic was also a "freedom fighter". Just a simple shift in interpretation can turn a criminal into a saint. Perhaps you can meet up with one and swap T-shirts?

No love lost for Haradinaj, but it is funny to read the renaming of terms here. The prosecution apparently appealed. The most normal justice procedure in the world, appealing, is being called names. And some people never heard of it?!?!?! Kate, when a defendant wins in first grade, prosecution usually appeals in second grade and vice versa. It is a fundamental procedure, that gives one of the parties another chance, in case there were mistakes in first grade. Usually the decision of the first grade is confirmed, but sometimes it is reversed. In most countries there are third and fourth grades appeals until you get to higher level courts, like constitutional courts or European courts etc etc. I guarantee you that had the prosecution won Haradinaj would have appealed. I guarantee you Karadzic will appeal in case he loses. I guarantee you that in the majority of cases in the world the party which loses appeals.

the first retrial in the tribunal's 17-year history...against the former Prime Minister of Kosovo...the day before the ICJ ruling?

This is a message to current Prime Minister Thaci not to disobey his masters after July 22.

Thaci probably informed his masters that he definitely plans to show Serbia who is boss by sending police/military(violence) to the North of Kosovo.

An explosion of violence in N.Kosovo is the last thing Europe wants. Desperate to control him, his masters engineer a warning for Thaci that he can clearly understand: "you disobey US and spark a war then we will send you to the Hague despite our past support for Kosovo. And if you think we are bluffing then watch what will happen to Prime Minister Haradinaj."

"It seems that you know [Haradinaj] personally to have such strong words about someone." (miri)

-- It seems you know him even better to get all upset about it.

@ KU - Yes, the defendants appeal, but usually the prosecution cannot appeal a conviction or try for the same crime twice.

Doh!!

One day before the ICJ verdict too -- very strong message!

I'm not sure what your point is, KU - and I have never heard of the term "grade"in reference to an appeal. Anyway, what is the point is, the prosecution has won an appeal on the basis that the defendent (Haradinaj) intimidated, and or had murdered vital witnesses. Don't you want to see justice served, KU?
(kalifornija, 21 July 2010 15:34)
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Let's go even further. I would like to see him pay for the murder of witnesses as well. Is he going to be tried for those murders as well. Justice has to be done for all.

While our criminals are going to Hague for retrials you are still hiding yours.
(Zoti, 21 July 2010 15:00)
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You make me laugh. Remember all the problems with getting Ceku to face court? Who is protecting him from having his day in court?

Haradinaj was already in court and the same institution acquitted him of any wrongdoings. Serbia on teh other hand willingly and intentionally has been avoiding to arrest the greastest terrorist in the world on par only with Bin Laden, Stalin, Hitler and Pol Pot!
(adrian kola, 21 July 2010 18:35)

Well we should all be grateful that you have been near a history book or two in your life but unfortunately you seem not to have actually read any of them in any depth or maybe just forgotten (or maybe you never knew) of the many other great massacres by dictators and their lieutenants of the twentieth century. Blessed are the ignorant!

"he was a dictator like Milosevic"

President Milosevic was elected in several referendums, Hoxa was not. However, any leader that USA/IMF dislikes and their corporate media spews propaganda against are, after initial sanctions and threats,regarded as "dictators"

Innocent man is being held in prison.
I wonder why Americans and other nations are not being accused for crimes done during Iraq war, Afghanistan, Libya, etc
I call all Albanians around the world to become funs of facebook page KERKOJM LIRIMIN E RAMUSH HAREDINAJ. in this way you are helping me to help our heroes.
Regards
Fatmir Hasani