Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Kosovo police used tear gas and water cannons in Pristina after protesters surrounded Parliament and demanded lawmakers advance legislation restricting the powers of the Hague-based Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
The confrontation erupted after Parliament approved the proposed changes in a first reading but failed to proceed immediately to a second vote. Protesters threw fireworks and other objects, while police moved to clear the area.
The protests follow the recent convictions of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and three former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders over war crimes committed during the 1998–99 conflict.
The proposed amendments would cap prison sentences at 15 years, allow appeals to Kosovo's Supreme Court and permit convicted people to serve their sentences in Kosovo. At least 12 people were reported injured during Monday's clashes, including civilians and a police officer.
The dispute is now adding pressure to Kosovo's already tense political situation. Opposition lawmakers are pushing for the court restrictions, while Prime Minister Albin Kurti has warned that the proposed changes were rushed and insufficiently examined.
With Parliament facing a deadline over the country's unresolved presidential election, the confrontation could quickly become a wider political crisis if lawmakers fail to reach a compromise.
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