Kosovo Fighter Convicted of War Crimes by EU-backed Court

Pjeter Shala, a former Kosovo Liberation Army fighter, was convicted by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers for murder, torture, and arbitrary detention during Kosovo’s 1999 war for independence from Serbia. Shala, known as 'Wolf', received an 18-year prison sentence despite pleading not guilty to all charges.

Pjeter Shala, a former Kosovo Liberation Army fighter known by the nickname 'Wolf', was convicted of multiple war crimes by an EU-backed court on Tuesday.

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers found Shala guilty of murder, torture, and arbitrary detention during the 1999 Kosovo war for independence from Serbia. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Presiding Judge Mappie Veldt-Foglia stated, 'The panel finds beyond reasonable doubt that Mr. Shala is guilty,' while describing the harrowing conditions of the victims. Shala denied cruel treatment allegations, arguing they were redundant with the torture charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)