Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that Kosovo will never forget the genocide committed by Serbia, while commemorating the victims of the Rakovinë Massacre.
In a Facebook post, Kurti emphasized that remembrance is essential to ensure that the truth is preserved and that crimes do not remain nameless or unpunished.
“The Republic of Kosovo remembers today the victims of the Rakovinë Massacre and will never forget the war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed by Serbia in Kosovo,” Kurti wrote.
On January 24, 1999, Serbian forces executed five civilians traveling with a tractor and trailer in Rakovinë, Gjakova. Among the victims were 12-year-old Besimi, 11-year-old Haxhiu, their father Shabani, and the couple Hysen and Sanije Kurti from Cërmjani.
Kurti reflected on the victims with profound grief and respect:
“Today, 27 years later, we remember these children and innocent citizens with deep sorrow and everlasting honor. Remembering Besimi and Haxhiu reminds us of the Serbian violence against children, entire families, and lives that had no chance of protection. We remember to ensure the truth is not forgotten and that these crimes do not go unpunished. The pain of their families is a wound on our society, while our collective memory is a commitment to justice.”
