Following the first-instance verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, which sentenced former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders to a combined 81 years in prison, members of the Albanian diaspora organized a protest in New York.
The protest was held last night in Times Square, where participants expressed their support for the former KLA leaders.
Footage from the protest was shared on social media by Tirana Mayor Shkëlqim Hajdari. In his reaction, he said the Albanian diaspora had gathered “as one” to express its support for the former KLA leaders.
“In Manhattan, in Times Square! All together, for one goal — freedom for the liberators!” Hajdari wrote.
He stressed that Albanians from different regions are united by Kosovo, their history and their respect for those who fought and sacrificed for its freedom.
Hajdari also said that the Albanian diaspora, regardless of where it lives, has not forgotten the sacrifice of the people of Kosovo or former KLA members.
“From America and throughout the diaspora, our message is clear: we do not forget our liberators, and we do not forget the sacrifice of the people of Kosovo,” he said.
The mayor of Tirana concluded by calling for unity around messages of “freedom, justice and dignity.”
