On Kosovo's Independence Day, tens of thousands of people rallied in the capital, Pristina, to show support for former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) facing war crimes charges. This protest coincided with ongoing proceedings in The Hague against four former KLA leaders, including former president Hashim Thaçi. These leaders are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity that reportedly occurred during the Kosovo War.

The accused, including Thaçi, alongside former parliamentary speakers Jakup Krasniqi and Kadri Veseli and former MP Rexhep Selimi, were arrested in 2020 and transferred to a special Kosovo war crimes court established in The Hague. They face charges that include persecution, murder, and torture linked to events from 1998 to 1999, amid Kosovo's struggle for independence. Prosecutors are seeking lengthy prison sentences of up to 45 years for each of the defendants, who have denied all allegations against them.

The protest reflects deep divisions within Kosovo society regarding the legacy of the KLA, with many Kosovo Albanians viewing the accused as national heroes who played pivotal roles in the fight for independence. This sentiment underscores the ongoing challenges in reconciling the past in a nation still grappling with the aftermath of its conflict and the push for justice amidst national pride.