Kosovo Protesters Face Tear Gas Over Hague Law

On Oct. 5, 2026, Kosovo lawmakers approved in a first reading amendments to the Specialist Chambers law that would cap prison sentences at 15 years, allow appeals to Kosovo's Supreme Court, let convicts serve terms in Kosovo, and enable the president to grant amnesty or pardons. The Hague-based court, established in 2015 under international pressure, had sentenced former President Hashim Thaci to 25 years and three other former KLA leaders to a combined 81 years. Protesters then blocked parliament exits to force a second vote. Police used tear gas and a water cannon after firecrackers, stones and projectiles were thrown and bins set alight. At least 17 people were injured, including six officers; three protesters were detained. Vetëvendosje MPs exited through the government door as tear gas was deployed there; PDK MPs remained inside. Kurti called the amendments rushed and insufficiently analysed. Çitaku demanded approval without conditions, calling the law and the presidential vote separate processes. Tahiri framed passage as every MP's national obligation. PDK said Kurti tied the second vote to electing a president before the Oct. 6 deadline; their meeting produced no deal. The second reading and the presidency remain unresolved.