On the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, the Islamic Community of Kosovo’s “Dituria Islame” publishing house released “Witness to the Srebrenica Genocide” by survivor Mevludin Hrniq. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasized that “every testimony that illuminates the truth is a stone of memory and a responsibility that cannot be forgotten.“
Remembering the Unforgettable
Kurti reiterated the Kosovo Government’s decision to declare July 11th as the Memorial Day for the Srebrenica Genocide.
“Today, in the heart of Prishtina, we are commemorating an open wound of Europe. The book ‘Witness to the Srebrenica Genocide,’ more than a personal narrative, is a stone of memory for a wound that still bleeds,” Kurti stated. “In the silence after the genocide, every word that tells the truth, that illuminates the truth. It was genocide, and this genocide is a crime that belongs to all humanity and a responsibility that cannot be forgotten. Like Bosniaks, Kosovar Albanians also experienced brutality and cruelty from the same occupier.”
He added, “When I became Prime Minister, we brought this remembrance into institutions, recognizing the suffering of the Bosniak people, we approved a resolution and declared July 11th, Memorial Day for the Srebrenica genocide. Every witness and every book is a testimony that must be respected and affirmed. I am grateful that this voice is also in the Albanian language and to believe that the truth, however delayed, can always speak.“
Truth, Justice, and Prevention
Naim Tërnava, Chairman of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, stressed that “the truth does not die and does not remain silent.” He called the book a homage to the victims, but also a call for justice and the prevention of future tragedies.
“Today, on the 30th anniversary, we are gathered not only to remember but also to testify that the truth does not die and does not remain silent. The promotion of this publication today is a homage and an expression of care and moral responsibility towards our history,” Tërnava said. “Over 8,000 men and boys were massacred, and many women were raped, and many others were displaced. It was carried out in a UN-secured area. The Albanian people showed resilience and dignity and continue to preserve it through the memories and testimonies of the survivors. For Albanian readers, this work sheds light and fosters the need for remembrance and reflection. The Presidency of the Islamic Community of Kosovo will support such projects in the future for establishing justice and preventing future tragedies. A forgotten past risks repeating itself.”
The editor of the publication, Ramadan Shkodra, affirmed that the book conveys an authentic testimony that leaves no room for doubt and serves as a reminder against oblivion. “We are not here to promote a day that is special in its gravity. We are here to not forget and to present a testimony so that it is not covered by the dust of oblivion,” Shkodra stated. “We remember one of the most terrible crimes: the Srebrenica genocide. More than 8,000 men were systematically massacred. This happened in a place where safety was guaranteed. It is proof of what happens when hatred becomes an ideology. Today, more than ever, we need to remember and speak. This book aims for readers to receive direct testimony, leaving no room for doubt. The book is a homage to the victims, but also a call for such crimes not to happen again.”
