Brahimaj, Lahi fr en

Lahi Brahimaj was a member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and the deputy commander of the Dukagjin Operative Staff stationed in Jablanica. He ran the KLA detention facility in Jablanica from at least April 1998 until about 5 July 1998, for the purpose, among others, of carrying out the joint criminal enterprise by detaining and mistreating civilians. Brahimaj is a close relative of former KLA leader and former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and was subordinate to him during the 1998-99 conflict with Serb forces.

Brahimaj was indicted with Ramush Haradinaj and Idriz Balaj. He was charged with 18 counts of crimes against humanity and 19 counts of violations of the laws or customs of war for crimes committed by KLA forces beginning 24 March 1998. The alleged crimes included harassment, deportation or forcible transfer of civilians, imprisonment, torture, murders, rape, abduction and cruel treatment.

On 14 March 2005, Balaj pleaded not guilty to all charges against him during his initial appearance before the ICTY. On 3 April 2008, the ICTY Trial Chamber I sentenced Lahi Brahimaj to six years’ imprisonment for cruel treatment and torture as violations of the laws and customs of war. Ramush Haradinaj and Idriz Balaj were both acquitted of all charges.