Approximately 6,000 protesters from across Albanian-inhabited regions are expected to participate in the demonstration organized by the Organization of KLA War Veterans (OVL-UÇK) on 16 November in Strasbourg, in front of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly.
The protest aims to denounce what participants describe as ongoing injustices against former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who are currently facing proceedings at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague.
Gucati: Preparations Nearly Complete, Coordination Across Europe
OVL-UÇK chairman Hysni Gucati stated that preparations are in their final phase, with extensive coordination conducted across several European states and with the Albanian diaspora.
“We are in the final phase of preparations. We established the organizing council in Europe a few days ago and held meetings with diaspora representatives across the continent. Their support has been extraordinary,” Gucati said.
He emphasized that the protest will take place on 16 November at 13:00 directly in front of the Council of Europe—“the very building where a resolution for the Specialist Court was initiated based on fabricated claims,” he added, referring to the controversial report authored by Dick Marty, which he called “a product of lies orchestrated with Serbian and Russian diplomats.”
Thousands Traveling from Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia
Gucati confirmed that many participants have secured low-cost flights to Basel and Stuttgart, allowing large groups to travel from Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia.
“We expect between five and six thousand people in Strasbourg that day. From Kosovo alone, the number will likely exceed 1,000 travelers,” he told EO.
However, he criticized several travel companies for raising ticket prices due to high demand, noting that many citizens may now be unable to attend.
Strasbourg Hotels Fully Booked by Protesters
According to Gucati, all hotels in Strasbourg are already fully booked, pushing many protesters to secure accommodation in surrounding towns, including Colmar.
He highlighted previous mass protests as evidence of strong public mobilization, recalling over 11,500 participants in the Netherlands, 82,000 in Tirana, and 47,000 in Pristina.
No Government Funding, Entirely Donor-Supported
Gucati stressed that organizations emerging from the war have received no financial support from the government, saying all activities have been funded through private donors.
“We have not received a single cent from the government. In the Netherlands as well, donors covered all expenses,” he stated.
The protest in Strasbourg is expected to be one of the largest international mobilizations organized by OVL-UÇK in recent years.
