Protests against war crimes verdicts add pressure on Kosovo's government

PRISTINA, Kosovo -- Daily protests in Kosovo against war crimes convictions for former rebel commanders spread throughout the Balkan country on Friday, adding pressure on the government of Prime Minister Albin Kurti, who has faced a monthslong political crisis. Thousands of people rallied in rain to express their anger over the verdicts earlier this month that found former President Hashim Thaci and three others guilty of war crimes during the 1998-99 war for independence from Serbia. The Netherlands-based court also sentenced them to 13-25 years in jail. Residents of Kosovo view the verdicts as unjust, saying that the Kosovo Liberation Army, or KLA, which Thaci once led before entering politics, fought against Serbian oppression. More than 13,000 people died during the conflict, which ended after a NATO bombing forced Serbia to pull out.Though largely peaceful, protests dubbed “Not in my name” have added to already high political tensions following an impasse of more than 18 months, which has blocked the election of the president and led to two early elections. Kurti, who took office nearly two weeks ago after an election in June, faces an Oct. 6 deadline to reach a deal with oppo...