Organizations stemming from the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) war, including the KLA War Veterans Organization (OVL-KLA), the Association of War Invalids (SHIL), the Association of War Martyrs’ Families (SHFD), the Association of Political Prisoners, and the “Movement” Society, have strongly condemned the act of desecrating the national flag in Suhareka.
“Serious Insult to the Memory of Martyrs”
In a Facebook post, these organizations emphasized that the act is a serious insult to the memory of martyrs.
“We, the categories emerged from the KLA war, react with deep indignation and strong condemnation towards the act of desecration of the national flag by some irresponsible individuals in the city of Suhareka. The red and black flag is the symbol of blood and sacrifice, the symbol that inspired an entire nation for freedom, that rose above barricades, and in the heart of every Albanian who did not bow before the occupier. This act constitutes a serious insult to the memory of our Martyrs, contempt for the values of the liberation war, and gravely provokes national morale, which cannot pass without accountability,” the joint statement read.
They called for an immediate response from law enforcement and justice institutions to identify and punish the perpetrators of this “ugly act.”
“We publicly call for this case not to be trivialized, because it is a reflection of a deep moral crisis that must be treated with seriousness and not with indifference. We emphasize that the red and black flag is not just a symbol of a state or time; it is our very national identity,” the statement continued.
Police Response and Case Closure
Regarding the incident, Shaqir Bytyqi, spokesperson for the Prizren Regional Police, confirmed to Sinjali that minors from Studençan, Suhareka, were interviewed by police in the presence of their parents. The minors admitted to the action, stating they had no intention of demeaning the flag and expressed remorse.
“The responsible prosecutor, after reviewing the case, assessed that there is no basis for criminal investigation, as the action was carried out unintentionally and without the intent to incite hatred. The case has been closed with an informational report,” Bytyqi further stated.
