Protesters clashed with police outside Kosovo’s parliament and government buildings in Pristina on October 5, 2026, demanding that lawmakers complete passage of proposed amendments to the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Parliament approved the bill in a first reading earlier that day, but a second and final vote did not take place.
Police deployed tear gas as some demonstrators threw bottles and pyrotechnic devices. Six police officers were reported injured, 11 civilians sought medical assistance and three protesters were taken into police custody. rferl.org
The proposals would cap prison sentences at 15 years, permit sentences to be served in Kosovo, allow appeals to Kosovo’s Supreme Court and enable presidential amnesty for convicted individuals. These provisions remained proposed changes rather than enacted law. reuters.com
The unrest followed the September 16 convictions of former President Hashim Thaçi and former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. The court imposed sentences totalling 81 years; proceedings concerning appeals subsequently began. Kosovo Specialist Chambers
