Today marks 36 years since the heroic fall of Fahri Fazliu and Afrim Zhitia, two national heroes from the Municipality of Podujeva, who lost their lives in an unequal battle against Serbian forces on November 2, 1989, in the Bregu i Diellit neighborhood of Prishtina.
To honor their legacy, memorial ceremonies and tributes will be held today. At 12:00 p.m., citizens and officials will gather to pay respects at their graves in the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Velania, followed by a commemorative visit at the site of their fall in Bregu i Diellit at 1:00 p.m.
Fahri Fazliu was born in 1963 in Llaushë, Podujeva. After completing his primary education in his hometown and secondary school in Prishtina, he became actively involved in the 1981 student demonstrations. He continued his commitment to Kosovo’s liberation movement throughout his life and work.
Afrim Zhitia, born in 1965 in Llugë, Podujeva, completed his education in his hometown and Prishtina. In 1982, while still a high school student, he joined the National Liberation Front of Kosovo, an underground organization fighting for freedom. He was arrested in 1984 along with his comrades and sentenced to four years in prison.
On November 2, 1989, Zhitia and Fazliu were surrounded by Serbian secret police (UDBA) in Bregu i Diellit and fought a fierce, unequal battle from 12:45 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., before falling heroically in defense of their homeland.
Their sacrifice remains a symbol of resistance and patriotism for generations in Kosovo.
