Hundreds demonstrated in Pristina after lawmakers failed to advance a bill to curb the Kosovo Specialist Chambers' powers in The Hague. The protest briefly turned confrontational, with flares and tear gas used; 12 people were injured and treated. The unrest follows the convictions of former KLA leaders, including ex-president Hashim Thaci, who received 13–25 year sentences. Opposition proposals would cap terms at 15 years, allow appeals to Kosovo's Supreme Court and permit domestic incarceration.
Tensions Flare in Pristina After Parliament Fails to Advance Law to Curb Hague Court
A protester throws back tear gas canisters at police units securing the entrance of the parliament building as protesters try to prevent Kosovo lawmakers from leaving the building without endorsing an amendment to the law on Specialist Chambers in Pristina, Kosovo, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Pristina on Monday night after Kosovo's parliament failed to move forward legislation aimed at limiting the mandate of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, the Hague-based tribunal handling alleged crimes by former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) members.
The protest, the latest in weeks of unrest following recent war-crimes convictions, briefly turned confrontational. Demonstrators set off flares and firecrackers and blocked exits at government buildings to pressure lawmakers. Police deployed tear gas to disperse parts of the crowd.
A protester throws back tear gas canisters at police units securing the entrance of the parliament building as protesters try to prevent Kosovo lawmakers from leaving the building without endorsing an amendment to the law on Specialist Chambers in Pristina, Kosovo, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Casualties and Response
Authorities reported 12 people injured — one police officer and 11 civilians — according to Naser Syla, director of emergency services at a central Pristina hospital. All were treated and discharged.
People gather in Pristina, Kosovo, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, to protest against the verdicts for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three other former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, handed by a Netherlands-based court that tried them for alleged war crimes during the 1998-1999 war for independence from Serbia. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Background: Hague Convictions and Political Fallout
The unrest follows a ruling in The Hague that convicted former president Hashim Thaci and three ex-KLA commanders for crimes committed during the 1998–99 war with Serbia. The defendants received prison sentences ranging from 13 to 25 years. In late September, Kosovo’s parliament issued a unanimous declaration condemning the verdicts, and largely peaceful daily protests have continued for more than 20 days.
A protester waves Kosovo Liberation Army flag near police units in riot gear standing at the entrance of the parliament building as protesters try to prevent Kosovo lawmakers from leaving the building without endorsing an amendment to the law on Specialist Chambers in Pristina, Kosovo, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Proposed Legal Changes
The opposition Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has proposed amendments intended to limit the Specialist Chambers' reach. Key provisions in the draft law include capping maximum prison terms at 15 years, allowing appeals to Kosovo’s Supreme Court, and permitting convicted individuals to serve sentences in Kosovo. Supporters say the changes would align the court’s mandate with its original purpose; opponents and international observers have raised concerns about undermining judicial independence.
Police units in riot gear stand at the entrance of the parliament building as people gather and prevent Kosovo lawmakers from leaving the building without endorsing an amendment to the law on Specialist Chambers in Pristina, Kosovo, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
The Specialist Chambers were established in 2015 after a Council of Europe rapporteur, Dick Marty, published allegations that included human trafficking and other abuses. Those trafficking allegations were not part of the recent trial that produced the convictions.
Political Context
The protests have intensified an existing political crisis. A prolonged deadlock of more than 19 months has stalled the election of a president and led to two early parliamentary elections, contributing to heightened tensions in the country.
“We are not closing the court, but it should continue its investigation into what it was established to investigate,” said PDK chairman Bedri Hamza during the parliamentary session that preceded the demonstration.
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