The “March for Freedom” brought together tens of thousands of citizens in Pristina, while political participation varied. The leader of the Vetëvendosje Movement, Albin Kurti, did not attend, although officials from his party and representatives of the caretaker government took part. LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku was also absent, while officials from his party participated. The largest presence was seen among officials from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK).
Kurti’s party supported the “March for Freedom,” which was held in support of the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).
However, Vetëvendosje leader Albin Kurti himself did not join the tens of thousands of Albanians who gathered to call for justice.
While he was absent, representatives of the caretaker government and Kurti’s party were seen participating in the march.
Acting Minister for the Values of the Liberation War, Andin Hoti, expressed confidence that the four former KLA leaders would return to Kosovo as free men.
“This court is political and it will come to an end. The four liberators will return to Kosovo as free men; that is what we hope and believe,” Hoti said.
Hoti also explained why his party leader did not attend.
“This protest is not organized by Vetëvendosje, nor is it organized by any political party. I see many citizens here, including members of political parties. That is what matters.”
Although officially invited, LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku was also absent from the march.
However, LDK Deputy Chairman Lutfi Haziri said that the occasion called for people to march without political divisions.
“Today, we should demonstrate without political differences, just as the KLA was. There was one goal: freedom and democracy in this country.”
Meanwhile, for the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the march marked one of the most important dates for the state.
“We expect this conclusion, this difficult drama of six years of pre-trial detention, to restore victory to Kosovo on the 16th, and for the Albanian people to bring to an end one of the most difficult battles they have ever faced. I see this as one of the most important dates since the declaration of independence.”
On the other hand, AAK officials joined the march, led by party chairman Ardian Gjini.
The party’s founder, Ramush Haradinaj, was also present, accompanied by other members of the Alliance.
Meanwhile, MP Time Kadrijaj described the continued imprisonment of the former KLA leaders as incomprehensible.
“For such an injustice to happen to Kosovo is nonsensical. Such a court should have been established in Serbia because of the rapes, massacres, killings of children and elderly people, and not in Kosovo.”
Other members of the Vetëvendosje Movement were also present at Saturday’s March for Freedom, including MPs Shqipe Selimi and Adnan Rrustemi. Among the representatives of the caretaker government was Acting Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci.
