Posted on 04/03/2008 12:46:27 PM PDT by BabaYaga
Hague sets Haradinaj, Balaj free 3 April 2008 | 09:44 -> 18:58 | Source: B92 THE HAGUE -- The Hague Tribunal has delivered its verdict in the case against former KLA commander Ramush Haradinaj today.
Haradinaj, who stood accused of torture, murder, rape and deportation together with two other Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commanders, Lahi Brahimaj and Idriz Balaj, has been found not guilty on all counts of the indictment. Balaj has also been acquitted, while Brahimaj received a six-year prison term.
Hague spokeswoman Olga Kavran told B92 earlier that the prosecution had brought forward over 80 witnesses during the case, though two key ones had failed to appear.
“A case for contempt of court is currently ongoing regarding that matter. So, the prosecution has been able to bring forward 81 witnesses, although two very important witnesses did not appear."
"There was a problem with witness intimidation, there was the fact that many witness appeared under protective measures, and that 18 subpoenas had to be issued, which meant that a court order had to be issued before these witness would come to testify,“ explained Kavran.
The prosecution called for 39-year old Haradinaj to be sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
The accused commanded the KLA during the war in Kosovo in 1998 and 1999, and until his voluntary surrender to the Hague, he was Kosovo prime minister.
In a letter to the Tribunal on March 27, senior Kosovo officials demanded Haradinaj’s acquittal.
What eufemistic word for people who were executed. Those two could only testify if Tribunal could comunicate to the ghosts.
Something is rotten in state of EU.
“Something is rotten in state of EU.”
Yep, and my Jewish nose is especially well-tuned to that particular stench. I wonder how many Saudi petro-dollars changed hands to get this verdict?
Yes, it was just pure political decision, nothing to do with truth and justice. Just like ICTY let that muslim terrorist Naser Oric free after two years. They would set Adolf Eichmann free.
As I wrote on S. Schwartz (”newborn” muslim) blog - as a descendant from a family that most of members parished in flames of Jasenovac and Auschwitz death camps and from those who fought against all kinds of fascists I can say: maybe some living would forgive you, but those who are dead will not.
Again, it is the worst decision before elections in Serbia, and that will only push Serbs away from EU.
The ad hoc court has no credibility in the first place. It’s a political tool used to justify the means. They don’t answer to anyone. There are no checks and balances.
Hell the US doesn’t recognize it’s authority so why should anyone else?
It was all over more then 2 years ago:
“Thursday, February 23, 2006
Staes: Ramush Haradinaj has an important mission in Kosovo
Bart Staes, member of the European Parliament says in an opinion piece that it is
important to apply the principle of innocence to Haradinaj and allow him an active
involvement in political life in Kosovo. This, according to him, is important not only
for Kosovo and the region, but also for the EU, Zëri reports.”
http://balkanupdate.blogspot.com/search?q=ICTY
And of course, Haradinaj had probably the most expensive in The Hague, by the British Law firm that Cherry Blair is lawyer (wife of Toni Blair)! Another brilliant “victory” for them. Justice is in pain.
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