The Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo, Dimal Basha, commemorated the 26th anniversary of the events of February 3–4, 2000, when a massacre and mass expulsion of Albanians occurred in northern Mitrovica.
In a Facebook post, Basha stated that even after 26 years, the pain of those nights remains vivid in the collective memory, describing the events as a severe act of violence against unarmed Albanian citizens and a campaign of organized fear and expulsion aimed at changing the ethnic reality of that part of the city.
He emphasized that the Serbian criminal structures, known as the “Bridge Guards,” attacked innocent families, killing 10 Albanians, including a 13-year-old child and a 65-year-old woman. Dozens of people were injured and tortured, while over 11,000 Albanians were expelled from their homes in the presence of international actors.
Basha noted that these crimes profoundly altered the demographic structure and social life in northern Mitrovica, but added that today, after more than two decades, the north is no longer a space of insecurity and gang rule as it once was.
According to him, the extension of the rule of law, actions by security institutions, and the dismantling of criminal structures have created a new reality, improving order and security for all citizens, regardless of community. He stressed that with the return of security, families are also returning to their homes and reclaimed properties.
However, the Assembly Speaker underlined that without full justice for the victims and accountability for the committed crimes, the wounds from that time cannot fully heal.
“Commemorating February 3 and 4 is not only a look back into history but a call for justice and a commitment that our state will never again allow violence or expulsion based on ethnic affiliation,” Basha wrote.
In conclusion, he honored the victims of those days, emphasizing that the future must be built on law, equality, and coexistence, and that justice is stronger than any attempt to hide the truth.
