On Friday, October 17, at 17:00, in “Skënderbej” square in Tirana, a nationwide protest will take place in support of the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who are in custody in The Hague.
The protest will be held under the motto “Freedom for the Liberators of the KLA” and is expected to gather participants from all Albanian regions.
In a press conference, the organizers of the protest called for mass participation, describing this gathering as a powerful voice for justice and against the injustices that, according to them, are being done to the former leaders of the KLA.
The head of the UÇK Veterans Organization (OVL-UÇK), Hysni Gucati, emphasized that the protest has a national character and has been organized with dedication for three months.
“Nationwide protest in Tirana, we are one nation, one language, one flag. We wanted a nationwide protest in Albania. I want to thank you for your commitment. We demand justice, that court is political and selective. He has deviated from the path of justice,” said Gucati.
He harshly criticized the Special Court in The Hague, comparing it to justice systems in authoritarian countries.
“Kosovo has been discredited by internationals. This court resembles Russia, China, Cuba and Korea. Not a real European court.”
Gucati argued that the choice of Tirana as a place for the protest is not accidental, but has a strong historical symbolism.
“The protest has a reason why we wanted it to be held here. I think that our genesis, of the KLA, is precisely in Tirana, in the 90s. Adem Jashari and his friends, today martyrs, have been in our country, found shelter, worked and acted to liberate Kosovo from the Serbian Chetnik hordes.”
He concluded the speech with a clear call for mobilization, expressing gratitude to the heads of associations in Tirana for their tireless commitment.
Gucati emphasized that their support is essential for the success of the October 17 protest, which, according to him, should be carried out with dignity and determination.
“JThank you for the commitment you are making to help us on October 17 protest as we see fit,“ he expressed.
Meanwhile, Shkëlqim Hajdari, one of the organizers of the protest, emphasized that the rally is a reaction to the voice of the right and to the just fight made by the KLA and the people of Kosovo for freedom and independence.
“The protest will take place for the voice of the right and in function of the just war made by the Kosovo Liberation Army and its people for freedom and independence. It is against the unjust detention by the Hague Tribunal of its leaders, headed by former president Hashim Thaçi..”
The chairman of the “Tirana” Association, Ruzhdi Keçi, described the organization of the protest as an honor and responsibility for the host city.
“I consider it an honor and a pleasure to be organized for this major event in ‘Skënderbej’ square, which has expectations for a large participation. We must engage in an information campaign to have as much participation as possible. There will be people from all over Albania.”
Keçi called on all association presidents and community representatives to mobilize citizens to guarantee a dignified participation.
“As a host country, it is up to us to do our job so that all the presidents of the associations, as elected representatives of different communities, notify the respective communities in order for the contribution of the Albanians in this meeting to give its result and to achieve the goal.”
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