The Student Parliament of the University of Prishtina organized an event today in front of the European Union Offices to publicly present their stance regarding the trial of former KLA members at The Hague.
The event comes amid students’ concerns about how judicial proceedings against former KLA leaders are being conducted, as final statements are currently underway this week.
Donart Humolli, a representative of the Student Parliament, stated that the students of the University of Prishtina, together with other student organizations, understand the complexity of justice and the importance of the rule of law as a fundamental principle of the European Union.
“Today we are here as students of the University of Prishtina, together with the Student Parliament and all student organizations, on a day that holds significance for our institution as well as for our society. Historically, the University of Prishtina has been a space of knowledge, civic responsibility, and standing for values. We understand that justice is a complex process, especially when it concerns major historical wounds. We also recognize that the rule of law is one of the pillars of the European Union, and that trust in justice is a prerequisite for long-term peace and stability,” Humolli said.
He emphasized that students are not demanding special treatment for former KLA members, but rather justice that is equal, transparent, and evidence-based.
“However, today we want to clearly express a concern shared by many citizens of Kosovo: the perception that judicial proceedings against former leaders of the KLA — Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi — have been accompanied by unequal standards, delays, and a lack of sensitivity to the historical context of the war in Kosovo. The KLA was a response of a people to systematic oppression and violence. Therefore, any handling of this history requires responsibility, care, and justice that leaves no room for doubt. We do not seek any preferential treatment nor circumvention of justice. We demand justice that is equal, transparent, and based on evidence. Kosovo has been and remains committed to the Euro-Atlantic orientation. But this orientation cannot be built solely on political agreements; it must be founded on trust, respect, and equal values for all,” he added.
Humolli also called for strengthening trust in the justice system through the European Union and for avoiding any perception that justice could be seen as selective.
“Today, from this place, we call on the European Union to contribute to strengthening trust in justice and to prevent any perception that justice may appear selective.
We, as students, want a European future, but we also want justice that reinforces the peace and dignity of a people who have endured sacrifices. Therefore, we take this opportunity to invite all students, and the wider public, to join the protest on February 17, starting at 14:00: JUSTICE, NOT POLITICS! Because history cannot be rewritten. Because justice is an obligation, not a choice. And because the patience of the citizens of Kosovo is not infinite,” Humolli concluded.
