On the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Jusuf and Bardhosh Gërvalla and Kadri Zeka, the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, paid her respects.
Osmani stated that Serbia has never been able to stop the resistance of the Albanian people, emphasizing that the sacrifice of those who fell for freedom will never be forgotten.
“Since then, we have witnessed Serbia’s brutal attempts to halt our national cause and our resistance for freedom. However, such hegemonic regimes can never stop the spirit of a people striving to live freely. Today, we mourn the sacrifice of the Gërvalla brothers and Kadri Zeka,” she said after paying her respects at Kadri Zeka’s bust.
The President also honored former deputy Smajl Hajdaraj, who was killed on January 17, 2002. She stated that institutions must do everything in their power to uncover the murders committed even after the war.
“Today marks the anniversary of the horrific assassination of Smajl Hajdaraj, who tragically was killed after the war, but by those who opposed Kosovo’s freedom. We remember him with sorrow and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice, urging our institutions to do everything they can to ensure that those who committed murders after the war are held accountable,” she added.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti also paid his respects.
“Jusuf Gërvalla was a true political activist, with a high awareness, unyielding will, rare talent, and boundless energy. Jusuf Gërvalla was eliminated by the Serbian secret services, just as they had done with others, along with his brother Bardhosh and their comrade, journalist Kadri Zeka, because only by killing them could they silence their activism and commitment. However, the activism and commitment for the liberation of Kosovo continued even after them until 1999, and the efforts to strengthen and substantiate Kosovo’s freedom have continued and still continue today,” he wrote on Facebook.
