Bislim Zogaj, a survivor of the notorious Dubrava Prison Massacre, has voiced strong disappointment over the lack of official recognition for Kosovo’s national martyrs. Speaking on the morning show “Ora Shtatë,” Zogaj urged state institutions to formalize a specific date to honor those who fell for the country’s freedom.
His remarks coincide with May 5, a date traditionally observed as Martyrs’ Day in Albania and among many Albanians in the region, yet it remains absent from Kosovo’s official calendar of state holidays.
“Equal Sacrifice Deserves Equal Honor”
Zogaj highlighted a perceived inequality in how fallen soldiers and activists are commemorated. He argued that the current fragmented approach to memorial services creates unintended distinctions between martyrs.
“I am personally disappointed with how we evaluate our martyrs,” Zogaj stated. “Starting with today, which is considered Martyrs’ Day but is still not an official date. This must become official.”
Key points from Zogaj’s appeal include:
- A Unified Date: The need for a single, state-sanctioned day to commemorate all martyrs collectively, ensuring no one is overlooked.
- Eliminating Distinctions: Zogaj emphasized that every martyr gave their only life for the nation and deserves “maximum respect” without hierarchy or division.
- State Responsibility: He called on the government to move beyond informal tributes and establish a legal framework for this day of remembrance.
Historical Context: The Dubrava Massacre
Zogaj’s perspective is rooted in one of the grimmest episodes of the Kosovo War. The Dubrava Prison Massacre (May 19–24, 1999) involved the killing of over 100 Albanian prisoners and the wounding of hundreds more by Serbian forces following NATO bombings of the prison complex. As a survivor, Zogaj has spent decades advocating for justice and the preservation of the memory of those who did not survive the war.
Currently, Kosovo observes several specific dates related to the KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army), such as the “KLA Epopee” in March, but does not have a singular “National Martyrs’ Day” that encompasses all eras of the resistance.
