"Some in Kosovo have no problem with punishing the KLA and criminalizing independence, as long as Thaçi is kept in prison. These resentments have escalated into political madness. Those who do not unite around defending the KLA today will be cursed by history tomorrow."
This is what William Walker, the former OSCE ambassador to Kosovo, is alleged to have said, according to a post published on Monday (October 5) on Facebook by the account named "Adrian Nncuq".
What's wrong with the content?
The statement in question is fabricated.
As of the time of writing, the content has received over 1,700 reactions and over 370 shares.
Hibrid.info initially researched the origin of the image used, through “Google Lens”. The results showed images with statements by former Ambassador Walker, among which there were also those about the Hague decision (see here).
But none of them matched what was claimed in the image in question. Even from one ITEM, which appeared after this search, and which was published on the "Klan" television portal, it was learned that the photo used to present the claim was taken from an interview with Walker on the "Opinion" show (see here).
Hibrid.info then researched through the search engine "Google", directly searching for the alleged statement and for Walker's statements (see here and here).
A search for the direct statement did not reveal any sources confirming that Walker made the alleged statement, while a search for his statements found articles reporting that the former ambassador had reacted against the Hague trial of former KLA leaders and had expressed confidence in and sympathy for the KLA's war.
A search on YouTube also revealed several recent interviews with Walker for Albanian-language media. It is noted that Walker commented on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers' decision against Thaçi and others, but no statements by Walker were found there regarding the division of public opinion in Kosovo, as alleged in the published content. (see here).
Analyze:
The claim that William Walker, the former OSCE ambassador to Kosovo, stated that "some in Kosovo have no problem with punishing the KLA and criminalizing independence, as long as Thaçi is kept in prison," is fabricated.
While searching for the origin of the image through "Google Lens", it was found that the photo used was taken from an interview with Walker on the show "Opinion", but the alleged statement is not part of it.
Also, direct research into the statement has not found any credible sources confirming that Walker made this statement. Nor has such a statement been found in his recent interviews.
Therefore, based on its work methodology, Hibrid.info assesses this content as "Fake News".
rationale
The “Fake News” rating is given to informational content that is entirely fabricated or that contains factually incorrect claims or information. Content that is rated as fake news can be defined as having been created and distributed with the intent to misinform the public, i.e., to present a claim that is completely false as fact.