Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attended the “Flaka e Janarit” Academy dedicated to the Reçak Massacre, held at the City Theatre in Gjilan. In his address, Kurti emphasized the importance of remembering the unique role of Ambassador William Walker as the key witness and whistleblower who exposed the Reçak Massacre to the world as a crime against humanity.
Kurti recalled that “Flaka e Janarit” originally began as a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the assassination of Jusuf and Bardhosh Gërvalla and Kadri Zeka, who were killed on January 17, 1982, in Germany by the Yugoslav secret service. Over time, the festival also came to honor Rexhep Malaj and Nuhi Berisha, killed by Yugoslav police on January 11, 1984, in Prishtina.
He underlined the importance of preserving tradition as a foundation for cultivating national values and building Kosovo’s society on strong historical and moral pillars, describing the Republic of Kosovo as a shared home built upon remembrance, sacrifice, and continuity.
Kurti noted that even interruptions of tradition become part of history, referring to 1999 when the eighth edition of “Flaka e Janarit” was shortened following the Reçak Massacre on January 15, 1999, in which 45 unarmed civilians were killed by Serbian police forces. Twenty-seven years later, the Academy was dedicated precisely to honoring the victims and martyrs of Reçak and the just struggle for Kosovo’s liberation.
Highlighting Ambassador William Walker’s decisive declaration in 1999, Kurti stressed that it was Walker’s testimony that made the truth about Serbia’s state crimes in Kosovo clear to the international community. He added that today’s responsibility lies in documenting, studying, and legally pursuing justice for the Reçak Massacre, ensuring the truth is preserved for future generations.
Kurti also welcomed the fact that in December 2025, the Special Prosecution of Kosovo filed an indictment against 21 individuals related to the Reçak Massacre, calling it an important step toward justice.
He concluded by honoring the sacrifices made for freedom and reaffirming Kosovo’s commitment to remembrance, justice, and the construction of a democratic future.
