The prosecution in the trial of Hashim Thaçi, the former political leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army and subsequently of independent Kosovo, has demanded a 45-year prison sentence due to multiple serious charges. These include accusations of involvement in assassinations, torture, and the illegal detention of hundreds of civilians and non-combatants. This demand comes during the final arguments phase of the trial which has been underway since April 2023.

Hashim Thaçi has consistently proclaimed his innocence throughout the proceedings. He claims that he has not committed any of the crimes he is being accused of and maintains his narrative as a freedom fighter during the 1990s conflict. The case, which is being held in a special court in The Hague, has received considerable attention given Thaçi's historical significance and the gravity of the allegations spanning decades.

As the trial progresses and the final judgment approaches, the implications of this verdict are significant for Kosovo's political landscape and its relationship with the international community. The outcome could influence perceptions of Kosovo's past conflicts and the accountability of wartime leaders, potentially having ripple effects in regional politics and justice for victims of the war.