On the 27th anniversary of his death, Bahri Fazliu, a prominent figure in Kosovo’s liberation movement, was honored by family members, political leaders, and former comrades at his gravesite.
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti laid wreaths and praised Fazliu as a model of the liberation fighter, emphasizing that his commitment began long before the Kosovo War:
“His analytical writings, romantic poetry, boundless patriotism, and participation in battles made him a living example not only for our generation but for generations to come. He showed us how to love the homeland, how to fight for freedom, and how to work for unity.”
Ramush Haradinaj, leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, described the Fazliu family as a “core of Kosovo’s freedom,” noting their deep ties to the broader struggle:
“Their roots in the fight for liberation extend beyond Bahri and Fahri. Their sacrifice speaks across generations and movements, including the heroic families like the Zhitias.”
Bahri’s nephew, Fahri Fazliu, shared his sorrow at the absence of his father — Bahri’s brother — who is currently being held in The Hague:
“It’s been 27 years since the heroic fall of my uncle. This year feels heavier, because my father is missing — he’s been present at every commemoration until now. We remember Bahri through his poetry:
‘Even death I will kiss, if the war calls me. From the grave I will rise, and the war I will never cease.’”
Comrades and colleagues who knew Fazliu during his life also paid tribute.
Smajl Latifi, the Mayor of Rahovec and Fazliu’s close friend, remembered him as a deeply moral and politically grounded leader:
“He was a mentor to many — intelligent, prepared, and courageous. His death in 1998, in the border region that unjustly divides Albanians in Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania, was a loss that cannot be replaced.”
Valon Murati, president of the Movement for Union, called Fazliu “a central figure in the Albanian people’s fight for freedom.”
