A protest called by the Veterans’ Organization of the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVL-UÇK) will be held today in Skopje in support of former KLA leaders who are currently on trial in The Hague.
The protest is expected to begin at 13:00 in Skanderbeg Square in Skopje and has been supported by numerous political figures.
The leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (BDI), Ali Ahmeti, has called for massive participation in today’s gathering. He emphasized that the protest aims to demand justice and reject what he described as fabricated accusations by Serbia and Russia, adding that participation is an act of responsibility to honor sacrifice and defend historical truth.
“Tomorrow, December 13, at 13:00, in Skanderbeg Square in Skopje, we come together for a clear goal: the demand for justice and the rejection of fabricated accusations by Serbia and Russia. We take to the streets responsibly, to honor the sacrifice and to protect the truth of our history,” Ahmeti said.
Support also came from Pristina, where Mayor Përparim Rama stated that after Pristina and Tirana, Skopje is also raising its voice for justice.
“This is a call for unity, respect, and the protection of the values that unite us as a people. I express my support for all Albanians in Skopje and all regions who are protesting peacefully tomorrow in defense of the KLA as an inseparable national value. As mayor of the capital of the Republic of Kosovo, I will always stand by my compatriots. Our strength as a people lies in unity, respect, and gratitude,” Rama wrote.
While calls are being made for broad participation, former KLA fighters have been urged not to attend the protest due to the risk of arrest by North Macedonian authorities.
Gazmend Syla from OVL-UÇK said that their participation poses a serious risk of arrest because of Europol lists allegedly submitted by Serbia.
“We advise our KLA fighters not to take that road, because we have no guarantees. Even if we were to request it, it is impossible for the state of North Macedonia to provide guarantees when you are on Europol lists,” Syla said yesterday.
