Kosovo Rallies for Ex-President Before Hague Verdict

The Kosovo Liberation Army fights Serbian forces in a separatist war that kills about 13,000 people, most of them ethnic Albanians. About 1 million ethnic Albanian Kosovars are driven from their homes. A 78-day NATO air campaign eventually forces Belgrade to pull its forces out.

Kosovo declares independence from Serbia with the backing of the United States and most European Union countries. Serbia, supported by Russia and China, refuses to recognize the split.

Thaci resigns the presidency to fight the charges. He and the three other defendants are taken into custody at the court, where they have remained since.

In a closing statement, Thaci tells the international judges he is innocent and that "the only just decision would be my full acquittal."

Thousands fill a central square in Pristina carrying red and black Albanian flags. A huge banner reads: "In the name of the people, declare them innocent." Portraits of the four men are plastered across the city beside a giant digital clock counting down to the ruling.

Verdicts are due from the judges in The Hague.