Vehicles from Kosovo, decorated with red-and-black Albanian flags and UÇK (Kosovo Liberation Army) symbols, have begun their journey toward Albania ahead of today’s nationwide protest in support of the former KLA leaders currently on trial in The Hague.
Thousands of Albanians from Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, and the diaspora are expected to gather this afternoon in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, under the slogan: “Justice for the Liberators.”
Key Speakers and Program
According to the organizers, the protest will open with a speech by Hysni Gucati, head of the Organization of KLA War Veterans (OVL-UÇK), and will conclude with remarks by Ali Ahmeti, the leader of the DUI party in North Macedonia and former wartime commander.
Former Albanian President Alfred Moisiu and representatives of Albanian war martyrs from Kosovo and North Macedonia will also address the crowd.
“There won’t be many political speeches,” said Shkelqim Hajdari, the protest coordinator in Tirana. “This is a gathering of unity — of people who fought and sacrificed for freedom.”
Support and Political Reactions
The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, confirmed that ruling majority MPs will attend and support the demonstration.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy announced that the Nation’s Highway (Rruga e Kombit) will be toll-free for 24 hours to facilitate travel.
The Democratic Party of Albania (PD) has stated it will not participate, though Fatmir Mediu broke ranks with Sali Berisha to confirm his attendance.
From Kosovo, President Vjosa Osmani expressed her support for the rally, reiterating that “the KLA’s war was just.”
Prime Minister Albin Kurti, through his Vetëvendosje party page, also voiced solidarity but used the opportunity to criticize Albanian PM Edi Rama for his stance toward The Hague trials.
Background
The protest comes as former President Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi face war crimes and crimes against humanity charges at the Special Court in The Hague — accusations they firmly deny.
A similar protest was held in The Hague on September 14, a day before the testimony of former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Rubin, who appeared as the first defense witness.
