Dozens of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) fighters arrived this morning at the Port of Durrës, two days after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague issued its verdict against four former KLA leaders.
Carrying KLA flags and symbols, as well as banners reading “Freedom Has a Name,” they appeared in Durrës at a time when the September 16 verdict has sparked widespread reactions in Kosovo and Albania, reports TCH.
The former fighters, who had spent several days in The Hague, had announced before their departure that they would travel to Albania wearing KLA uniforms, in order to convey messages of support and restraint following the verdict.
They have expressed hope that the first-instance judgment could be changed during the appeals process.
After arriving in Durrës, Ismail Selimi, known as Commander Mala of Tetova, spoke on behalf of the group. He recounted his experiences during the proceedings in The Hague, discussed the verdict against the former KLA leaders, and expressed his disappointment with the process.
