Albanians from different parts of the world, with the support of the KLA War Veterans Organization, have gathered near the Hague Special Court building in support of former KLA leaders. The protest is expected to start officially at 2pm.
Protesters, who are former fighters and other citizens from different parts of the world, hold different placards in their hands, through which they convey their English-language messages, as the Special Court staff is entirely international.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted by expressing in support of protests, calling for the release of former KLAs.
“Freedom has a name. With my heart and mind I am there today commander. Freedom of liberators”, Rama writes, as he has published images of Albanians heading towards the protest.
“All of Albania and Kosovo have been raised for the protection of the KLA. The KLA has not committed war crimes, fought for its country. To stand up for these liberators”Said one protester.
“It is very important to be released because they are innocent and they represent our state, founded Kosovo. I live in Germany and I came specially here. Both Kosovo and Albania and all Albanians around the world contribute to their liberation because they are innocent. The KLA has not been a terrorist organization, we have defended the doorstep of our door”, Said another.
“I wish everyone would come out as soon as possible, they are innocent. We are looking forward to their release as soon as possible, I very much believe it will happen”Said another protester.
This protest, through which justice is required, comes only one day before the defendment begins with the appearance of evidence and hearings with the first witness.
On Monday, in the courtroom, in defense of former president Hashim Thaci, James Rubin, the American who was assistant Secretary of State, is expected to appear.
After him, other witnesses who are figures from the United States and Britain will be heard. Initially, witnesses to the defense of former President Thaci, and then Jakup Krasniqi, will be heard.
Thaci’s defense is expected to present about 11 witnesses and two others will be in support of Jakup Krasniqi. The filing of defense evidence comes four months after the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office ended the hearings with its witnesses and closed the case.
The prosecution presented 125 witnesses to the hall and relied on over 130 evidence in writing. Judges in the Special are expecting the protection of former KLAs to submit the final documents until December 22 this year.
The Special Prosecution accuses Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselin, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi for war crimes, while their defense has denied the allegations, arguing that the KLA had no organized command structure.
Former President Thaçi, two or two Speaker of Parliament Veseli and Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, have been in Detention in The Hague since November 2020, while the trial against them has begun in April 2023.
Journalist: Vjollca Zharri
