One day before the announced protest of 13 December in Skopje, the Organization of KLA War Veterans (OVL-UÇK) has intensified mobilization efforts both inside and outside Kosovo, expecting a large turnout in support of former KLA leaders currently facing judicial proceedings in The Hague.
The demonstration follows several earlier rallies held in Prishtina, Tirana, and other cities, aimed at raising awareness and voicing opposition to what veterans describe as a politically motivated and unjust process.
Gucati: “We Expect Around 20,000 Protesters”
OVL-UÇK chairman Hysni Gucati stated that public interest in the Skopje protest is extremely high, especially among citizens of Kosovo but also from North Macedonia.
“We expect around 20,000 protesters from both Kosovo and North Macedonia, with particularly strong interest coming from Kosovo,” Gucati told FrontOnline.
According to him, OVL-UÇK has received support from all major political parties in both countries, and several mayors—especially from Kosovo—are expected to join. Gucati called on all political actors to contribute to the civic mobilization, emphasizing the importance of defending the legacy of the KLA.
VLEN Coalition: Support the Protest, but Do Not Politicize the KLA
Following Gucati’s statement, the VLEN coalition in North Macedonia also issued its position regarding the December 13 protest and the political use of the KLA issue.
VLEN representative Zeqirija Ibrahimi said the KLA represents a core national value for Albanians, and no political party has the right to misuse it.
“The KLA is a value of the Albanian people. No political subject may abuse it for narrow electoral interests,” Ibrahimi said.
He sharply criticized Ali Ahmeti, accusing him of using the KLA as a last political tool to recover lost credibility.
“Ali Ahmeti is now using the KLA as his final weapon to salvage his political reputation,” he stated.
Ibrahimi argued that the KLA cannot serve as a shield for politicians who have invoked the sacrifices of martyrs for decades without delivering concrete support to their families, veterans, or war invalids.
“The KLA is not a lifeboat for failed politicians who spent over 20 years in power claiming to defend its values while doing nothing for the families of its martyrs,” he added.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
Ibrahimi also highlighted what he sees as political hypocrisy: that the same party attempting to portray the protest as patriotic had previously supported the Law on Macedonian Defenders, while neglecting former KLA members now facing trials in The Hague.
He noted that while in power—until 2024—the party did nothing to defend those prosecuted in The Hague, but now seeks to instrumentalize them for political gain.
VLEN: Support the Values, Reject the Manipulation
In his concluding remarks, Ibrahimi said VLEN supports any gathering aimed at protecting the values and legacy of the KLA, but strongly opposes attempts to use the KLA for political manipulation.
“We support every gathering that protects the values of the KLA, but we oppose those who misuse it for political purposes. The KLA belongs to the people, not the parties,” he concluded.
