Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Bedri Hamza, has wished former President Hashim Thaci a happy birthday, emphasizing his absence from Kosovo and expressing hope for his return.

“Another birthday away from Kosovo. The sixth in a row, President. Not by choice, but due to an injustice that has lasted too long. However, there is something that has not faded or shaken even for a day: your resilience and our belief and pride. We have missed you greatly. Now it is time to meet again and celebrate in the homeland. Kosovo is waiting for you. We are waiting for you. Happy birthday, President!” the statement from Hamza reads.

Hashim Thaci was born on 24 April 1968 and is one of the central figures of Kosovo’s political scene. He served as the fourth President of Kosovo from 2016 to 2020, and previously was the country’s first Prime Minister after the declaration of independence in 2008.

During his career, Thaci has also held other senior state positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister in the government led by Isa Mustafa.

Hashim Thaci is currently facing a prolonged trial at the Specialist Chambers of Kosovo, known as the Specialist Court.

He has been in detention since November 2020 on charges of alleged war crimes, according to KosovaPress.

The trial against him began in April 2023.

Alongside Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi are also on trial. The former KLA leaders have pleaded not guilty to all charges.