In the context of anniversaries remembering massacres, killings, abductions, and other crimes committed by Serbian forces during the Kosovo war, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, paid tribute to the four sons and husband of Ferdonije Çerkezi. She bowed in respect to her pain and to all mothers living with loss and the ongoing struggle for justice.
“On 27 March 1999, Ferdonije lost her four sons—Artani, Armendi, Ardiani, Edmondi—and her husband Halimi. To this day, the remains of two of her sons and her husband have not been found, keeping this wound open and prolonging the pursuit of justice. The museum-home of Mother Ferdonije Çerkezi reminds us of the high price of freedom,” Haxhiu stated.
She also commemorated other massacres carried out on the same day across Kosovo: in Dardania, Peja, where 40 Albanian civilians were killed within hours; in Klladernicë, Skenderaj, where 75 were massacred; in Mamushë, where 18 were killed; and in Obiliq, where 10 members of the Rama family lost their lives. In Fushë Kosovë, 168 Albanians killed are also being remembered today.
“Our Republic stands on a history of sacrifice that cannot be erased. Glory to all who fell for the freedom of our country,” Haxhiu emphasized.
