New Facts: Thaci declares innocence in closing arguments

Hashim Thaci used his final statement to tell the judges he is “completely innocent” and asked for a full acquittal. He called the accusations “entirely untrue and utterly absurd.” “Justice for the victims cannot be honoured by prosecuting the innocent,” he said.

He argued he was a student in Switzerland when the war began and did not return to seize power. He said real control at the time was in the hands of Slobodan Milosevic. Thaci said his only power was his voice, which he used to urge a multiethnic, tolerant Kosovo and called on Serbs to stay in their homes.

He rejected allegations of organ trafficking as propaganda. Supporters in the public gallery waved at him before security intervened. Prosecutors have asked for a 45-year sentence, and judges are expected to deliver verdicts in the coming months.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources