AGP Executive Report

KLA Verdict Fallout: Hashim Thaçi and three former KLA leaders were sentenced in The Hague for war crimes, with Thaçi getting 25 years (Krasniqi 25, Veseli 18, Selimi 13). The ruling found crimes including murder, torture, cruel treatment, and unlawful detention, while acquitting crimes against humanity. Street Protests in Pristina: Supporters gathered to watch the verdict live, then clashes erupted around EULEX in Pristina, with stones, bottles, and Molotov cocktails reported as police sealed off the mission area. Diaspora Reaction: Albanian diaspora supporters rallied in Times Square, calling the verdict unjust and urging freedom for the “liberators.” Film Spotlight: Reykjavík International Film Festival (RIFF) unveiled its full programme, including Kosovo’s Oscars pick “Dua” by Blerta Basholli in the New Visions competition. Sports & Culture Crossovers: Ireland’s Nations League squad updates put Kosovo on the map again, with Ireland set to play in Pristina next week.

War Crimes Verdict: The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague convicted former KLA leader and Kosovo ex-president Hashim Thaçi of war crimes and sentenced him to 25 years, alongside Kadri Veseli (18), Rexhep Selimi (13) and Jakup Krasniqi (25), for crimes including arbitrary detention, torture and murder; the panel acquitted them of crimes against humanity. Pristina Protests: The ruling sparked unrest in Pristina and clashes near EULEX, with protesters throwing stones and bottles and even Molotov cocktails reported, while police and KFOR presence were heightened. Political Fallout: Kosovo and Albania condemned the verdict as unfair or shameful, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić criticized the court for not convicting on crimes against humanity. Arts & Entertainment (Kosovo link): A Kosovo youth pen-pal program connects students in Gjilan with Alaska Army National Guard children, using KFOR ties to build friendships through English and cultural exchange. Sports (Regional spotlight): Ireland’s Nations League preparations include a Kosovo trip to Pristina, with squad talk already stirring attention ahead of the matches.

War Crimes Verdict: Kosovo’s Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced former president Hashim Thaçi to 25 years for war crimes, finding him responsible for the murder of 96 people, plus arbitrary detention (385), torture (303) and cruel treatment (49). Co-defendants Jakup Krasniqi (25 years), Kadri Veseli (18) and Rexhep Selimi (13) also received long terms; the court acquitted them of crimes against humanity, and the verdicts can be appealed. Street Protests & EULEX: In Pristina, supporters clashed with riot police outside EULEX after the ruling, with stones and bottles thrown and Molotov cocktails reported at the EU mission site; roads to Kosovo Polje were disrupted and at least one arrest was reported. Regional Reactions: Kosovo and Albania criticized the verdict while France reiterated support for the tribunal; Kosovo’s PM Albin Kurti said the KLA was born in response to oppression and vowed to continue support through appeal. Arts & Culture: PriFest (Prishtina International Film Festival) crowned Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” as Best Film, with Astrit Kabashi and Ujkan Hysaj taking acting awards. Community & Youth: A U.S.-Kosovo pen pal program linked Alaska Army National Guard youth with students at Future School in Gjilan, building on KFOR public affairs ties.

War Crimes Verdict: Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague sentenced former Kosovo president Hashim Thaçi to 25 years in prison for war crimes, including murder of 96 people, torture, cruel treatment, and arbitrary detention, with the court saying he “actively participated in and encouraged crimes.” Public Order in Pristina: Kosovo police announced stepped-up security ahead of the 16 September verdict, including operational plans to keep traffic moving and prevent provocations. Politics at Home: The PDK asked Kosovo’s Constitutional Court to review whether parliament’s vote re-electing Albin Kurti as prime minister was valid, arguing the assembly was inaugurated unconstitutionally. Film & Festival: PriFest (8–13 September) closed with Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” winning Best Film, while Astrit Kabashi and Ujkan Hysaj took acting prizes. Media Spotlight: BIRN launched a focus page and “Trial Stories” hub ahead of the verdict, compiling its reporting on the Thaçi case.

PriFest Spotlight: Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” won Best Film at PriFest (18th PriFest, 8–13 Sept), with Astrit Kabashi taking Best Actor and other acting prizes also landing for the Kosovo-set drama. Court & National Memory: Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ Sept. 16 verdict in the Hashim Thaçi war-crimes case is framed as a test for how the war and KLA resistance will be interpreted internationally, while BIRN launches a dedicated focus page for the trial ahead of judgment. Politics at Home: Kosovo’s “Kurti 4” government was approved in parliament (62 votes in favour), but the opposition PDK has challenged the parliamentary inauguration in the Constitutional Court, and Bekim Sejdiu withdrew his presidential bid. Security Measures: Kosovo police announced stepped-up security ahead of Sept. 16 to keep public order and traffic flowing. Arts & Culture Beyond Kosovo: Apple is bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade into iCloud+ in 100+ countries, including Kosovo, at no extra charge. Sports: David Shirokoradov won Muay Thai World Championship gold in Kosovo. Media & Culture Industry: RIT is expanding study pathways via its Dubai and Kosovo campuses amid U.S. visa challenges.

PriFest Film: Visar Morina’s “Shame and Money” won the Vjosa Berisha Award for Best Film at the 18th PriFest, with Astrit Kabashi taking Best Actor and Sheqerie Buqaj winning Best Actress. Politics & Courts: Kosovo’s Constitutional Court is set to weigh a challenge from the PDK over the validity of Albin Kurti’s re-election as prime minister and the parliamentary inauguration process. Presidential Drama: Lawyer Bekim Sejdiu withdrew his bid for President, citing lack of parliamentary support and escalating internal clashes—raising the risk of another snap election. Security Ahead of Verdict: Kosovo police announced stepped-up measures before 16 September to keep public order and traffic flowing around the Specialist Chambers verdict. War Crimes Verdict Focus: BIRN launched a dedicated hub for the Hashim Thaçi trial verdict, compiling reporting and analysis ahead of the Hague decision. Arts & Youth: Plan International Canada marked 10 years of “Girls Belong Here,” highlighting alumni impact—including Kosovo-born Yllka Bojku’s policy and technology work. Sports: David Shirokoradov won Muay Thai World Championship gold in Kosovo, bringing home a major title for his weight class.

Football & Identity: FAI director of football John Martin says “everybody” at the association agrees Ireland “shouldn’t be in” the position of playing Israel in UEFA Nations League matches in Debrecen (Sept 27) and Bačka Topola (Oct 4), even after an earlier vote backed playing. Security & Public Life: Kosovo police announce stepped-up measures ahead of Sept 16 and the Hague verdict for former KLA leaders, aiming to keep traffic flowing and prevent provocations. War Crimes & Media: BIRN launches a focus page and “Trial Stories” hub ahead of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers verdict in the Thaci case, compiling reporting from Kosovo and The Hague. Arts & Film: Venice Critics’ Week crowns Tommaso Usberti’s “Before the War” (with Kosovar immigrant Sonia at its center) as Grand Prize winner. TV Pop Culture: AMC orders the “Point Break” sequel series (8 episodes) set 30+ years later, with a new heist crew tied to the “Ex-Presidents.” Sports Achievement: Muay Thai fighter David Shirokoradov wins world championship gold in Kosovo. Books & Culture: Kosovo is listed among new exhibitors for the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, opening Sept 13.

Kosovo Specialist Chambers Verdict Build-Up: BIRN has launched a dedicated focus page ahead of this week’s judgment in the Hague war-crimes case against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, compiling its reporting since the trial began in 2023. Public Order & Security: Kosovo police say they’re stepping up security measures ahead of 16 September and the verdict, including operational plans, more patrols and crowd-control resources, and urging citizens and media to rely on official updates. Politics & Culture: The “Kurti 4” government was approved by the Kosovo Assembly (62 votes in favour, 8 against) and the cabinet was sworn in after an extraordinary session. Sports: David Shirokoradov won Muay Thai World Championship gold in Kosovo. Arts & Media: A Kosovo-linked arts moment: “The Secret Chord” (Leonard Cohen experience) returns to the Segal Centre in October, blending live music with rewritten storytelling. International Entertainment: AMC has greenlit a “Point Break” sequel TV series (eight episodes, starting early 2027).

Kosovo Politics: Albin Kurti’s “Kurti 4” government cleared the Kosovo Assembly with 62 votes in favour and eight against, and the new cabinet was sworn in after a tense session. Arts & Culture (Kosovo in the spotlight): Kosovo is listed among the first-time participating countries at the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, running Sept. 13–18, alongside a busy programme of cultural events. Film & Identity: Italian director Tommaso Usberti’s “Before the War” won top prizes at Venice Critics’ Week, with the story centered on a Kosovar immigrant character and themes of racism and toxic masculinity. Media & Public Life: Journalists from N1’s newsroom publicly condemned alleged targeting of colleagues by the channel’s news director Branislav Šovljanski. Sports (Kosovo connection): Ireland’s Nathan Collins is set to miss the next international window game against Kosovo due to a calf injury. TV/Pop Culture: AMC has officially greenlit a “Point Break” sequel series, set 30 years after the 1991 film.

Media & Publishing: Kosovo’s National Media Authority is set to showcase its media oversight work at the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, highlighting licensing, content standards, and publishing services. KLA Verdict Campaign & Culture: Ahead of the Hague verdict, Pristina’s “Freedom Has a Name” platform is preparing a march under “The KLA unites us,” with mosques, public institutions, artists, and entertainment figures backing the message. Kosovo in International Film: “Before the War” (Prima della guerra) won top prizes at Venice Critics’ Week, with the story centered on a Kosovar immigrant character—an arts win that keeps Kosovo-linked narratives in the spotlight. TV & Pop Culture: AMC has officially greenlit a “Point Break” sequel series (eight episodes) set 30+ years after the 1991 film, with production starting early 2027. Journalism Under Pressure: Staff at Serbia’s N1 newsroom publicly condemned targeting of journalists, accusing the station’s leadership of harassment and political pressure. Film & TV Awards (Region): The Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominees include “DJ Ahmet” leading the pack, with Kosovo eligible among participating countries.

KLA Verdict Build-Up in Pristina: Ahead of the Hague ruling on former KLA leaders, Kosovo’s “Freedom Has a Name” platform is mobilizing support through a mosque-led invitation and a citywide campaign of clocks, flags, murals, and exhibitions—framing the accused as “innocent” and urging a march through Pristina. Arts & Memory in Kosovo: A new Pristina exhibition, “Diary of a War Photographer,” by Visar Kryeziu, is presented as support for the “just war” narrative, using wartime images to highlight KLA fighters and civilian displacement as the verdict nears. Film Spotlight (Kosovar connection): At Venice Critics’ Week, Tommaso Usberti’s “Before the War” won the Grand Prize; the story centers on a Kosovar immigrant character and tackles racism and toxic masculinity. International Screen News: AMC has greenlit a “Point Break” sequel series (8 episodes) set over 30 years after the 1991 film, with production slated for early 2027. Media/Workplace Tension: N1 newsroom staff publicly condemn targeting of journalists Danica Vučenić and Žaklina Tatalović by N1 director Branislav Šovljanski. Books & Culture Abroad: Kosovo is listed among new exhibitors for the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opening Sunday, running Sept. 13–18.

Point Break TV Revival: AMC and AMC+ have officially greenlit a new “Point Break” series, set over 30 years after the 1991 film, with an eight-episode first season starting production in early 2027; Alcon Television Group leads, StudioCanal co-produces and handles international distribution. Venice Critics’ Week Win: Italian director Tommaso Usberti’s “Before the War” (Prima della guerra) took the Grand Prize at Venice Critics’ Week, with the story centered on a young man in a racist, macho world who meets a Kosovar immigrant. Pristina Arts & Memory: A Pristina exhibition, “Diary of a War Photographer,” presents Visar Kryeziu’s wartime images ahead of the Hague verdict, framed by local organizers as support for the KLA’s “just war.” Local Media Tensions: Journalists at N1 publicly condemned N1 news director Branislav Šovljanski over alleged targeting of colleagues, as he denies wrongdoing. Science Meets Poetry: Athens’ National Observatory hosted an event pairing Kostas Varotsos’ illuminated sculpture with Dimitra Kotoula’s poem, linking astronomy to art and literature. Kosovo in International Spotlight: Kosovo’s participation in a US- and UN-backed Gaza stabilization effort was highlighted in a Pristina ceremony tied to the International Stabilization Force.

Pristina Protest & Culture: A march is being prepared in Pristina under “Freedom has a name” ahead of the Sept. 16 Hague verdict on former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi and others, with slogans quickly shifting into a citywide celebration—murals, banners, and even a message outside EULEX reading “declare them innocent.” Kosovo in Film Spotlight: Italian-French director Tommaso Usberti’s “Before the War” won top prizes at Venice Critics’ Week, with the story centered on a Kosovar immigrant character; the jury praised its direction and themes of toxic masculinity. TV Entertainment: AMC and Canal+ have greenlit a “Point Break” sequel series, set 30+ years after the 1991 film, with an eight-episode Season 1 planned for early 2027. Gaza Stabilization Link: The Board of Peace held a Pristina ceremony tied to Kosovo’s participation in a US- and UN-backed Gaza stabilization force, with Kosovo Defense officials and Kosovo Security Force leadership taking part.

Pristina Arts & Memory: Visar Kryeziu’s exhibition “Diary of a War Photographer” opens in central Pristina, using images from the Kosovo Liberation War to support the KLA commanders’ ongoing The Hague verdict process. Regional Film Buzz: “DJ Ahmet” by Georgi M. Unkovski leads the Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominations, with Kosovo and the wider region in the spotlight ahead of the Oct. 24 ceremony in Montenegro. Kosovo in International Spotlight: Kosovo signs on to join the US-led International Stabilization Force in Gaza, adding another Kosovo-related headline that intersects with public life and media attention. Media Freedom Watch: SafeJournalists warns that Meta restrictions and suspicious account activity in Albania may be targeting public-interest media, with parallels to earlier Balkan crackdowns. Sports Culture: Jürgen Klopp’s Germany squad planning and a separate story about Noah Okafor refusing to play for Switzerland both underline how national teams keep driving big entertainment headlines.

Pristina Arts & Memory: Visar Kryeziu’s “Diary of a War Photographer” exhibition opens in central Pristina ahead of The Hague verdict, spotlighting KLA fighters and civilian displacement through Kryeziu’s wartime images. Adriatic Screen Awards: DJ Ahmet leads the Adriatic Film and TV Awards nominees with seven nods, followed by Yugo Florida (six) and God Will Not Help, Mother, and Wind, Talk to Me (five each); winners are set for Oct. 24 in Porto Montenegro. Kosovo Media Freedom: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council voted to terminate cooperation memorandums with civil society and media groups, arguing media filming and early footage sharing “jeopardize” investigations. Kosovo in Gaza: Kosovo signed an agreement to join the UN-mandated International Stabilization Force in Gaza, with the KSF framing it as moving from “security importer” to “security exporter.” Regional Politics in Culture: EU officials sharply criticized Serbia’s state-backed, military-honours funeral for Ratko Mladić, sparking backlash across the Balkans.

Kosovo in Gaza Security: Kosovo signed an agreement to join the UN-mandated International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, with the Kosovo Security Force framing it as a step toward becoming a “security exporter.” Media Freedom in Kosovo: Kosovo’s Prosecutorial Council voted to terminate cooperation memorandums with civil society and media groups, arguing media filming during police operations harms investigations. Adriatic Film & TV Awards: “DJ Ahmet” leads the Adriatic Awards cinema nominations, followed by “Yugo Florida,” with winners set for Oct. 24 in Montenegro. Regional Arts & Culture: Venice 2026 spotlighted Italian director Tommaso Usberti’s “Before the War,” a tense debut exploring macho violence and youth disorientation. Serbia/EU Shock (Regional Politics): Ratko Mladić’s state-backed funeral in Belgrade sparked sharp EU backlash and wider Balkan reactions, deepening disputes over war memory.