The Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans Organization has announced that it has sent a public letter to several institutions and international organizations that supported the publication “Massacres in Kosovo 1998–1999”, requesting the removal of their names from any supporting references.
According to OVL-UÇK, the request comes after serious concerns regarding the credibility and integrity of the publication by Shkëlzen Gashi, as well as the impact of his public exhibition in Pristina.
In the letter, the organization argues that although the publication is presented as a study, it lacks a clear research methodology and does not provide a structured analysis of sources. As such, they claim it resembles a compilation rather than a well-founded scientific study.
OVL-UÇK also raises concerns that certain events are labeled as “massacres” despite insufficient supporting sources, while still presenting specific data such as dates, locations, and numbers of victims—creating contradictions and doubts about the accuracy of the information.
Another issue highlighted is the classification of victims, which the organization describes as rigid and reductive, failing to reflect the complexity of circumstances on the ground and potentially leading to distorted interpretations of events.
The letter further points to inconsistencies in victim figures and the use of visual materials that, according to OVL-UÇK, do not always correspond to the events presented, thereby affecting the credibility of the publication.
OVL-UÇK emphasizes that institutional support for the publication is not neutral, as it creates a public perception of direct association with its content, regardless of formal disclaimers distancing from the author’s views.
Based on these concerns, the organization has called on institutions to withdraw their names, stressing that preserving historical truth is a moral responsibility toward victims and future generations.
The letter was addressed to organizations including Community Development Fund, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Institute of International Education, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Cultural Heritage without Borders, and Kosovo Foundation for Open Society.
