Pristina Freedom March
Thousands March in Pristina Supporting Former KLA Leaders Ahead of Verdict
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Key Points
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Pristina Mayor Përparim Rama announced free public transport within the capital, while organizers arranged free buses from Kosovo’s other cities for people attending the march.
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The indictment contains six counts of crimes against humanity and four counts of war crimes, with prosecutors requesting 45-year prison sentences for each of the four defendants. They were arrested in November 2020 and transferred to the Specialist Chambers’ detention center in The Hague.
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Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not say whether he would attend, and organizers said only Democratic Party of Kosovo leader Bedri Hamza and Alliance for the Future of Kosovo leader Ardian Gjini had accepted invitations to speak among the leaders of the four Albanian parliamentary parties.
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Supporters mounted a broader public campaign ahead of the march, including countdown clocks, murals, banners and exhibitions. A banner outside EULEX headquarters read, “In the name of the people, declare them innocent.”
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Fljaka Fazlija, the daughter of a fallen KLA member, warned that Kosovo would not remain silent if an injustice were committed “in the name of justice,” saying the campaign reflected the expectations of thousands of citizens.
Tens of thousands of people marched through Pristina on September 12 to support four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders facing war crimes charges at The Hague. Albeu reported that organizers claimed about 100,000 participants gathered at Skanderbeg Square for the "March for Freedom," calling for the acquittal of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi ahead of their September 16 verdict. The defendants deny all charges and prosecutors have sought 45-year prison sentences for each man.
The rally, organized by the "Freedom Has a Name" platform, drew veterans, war victims' relatives, political figures, and diaspora members who view the men as national heroes. VoxNews noted the four defendants have been held in The Hague since their November 2020 arrest and face 10 total counts—6 of crimes against humanity and 4 of war crimes. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić condemned the demonstrations as nationalist and said Serbia must protect its own interests as the verdict approaches.
Free Transport Brings Supporters Across Kosovo
Pristina officials mobilized to support the march. The mayor announced free public transport within the capital, and organizers arranged free buses from other Kosovo cities to bring people to Skanderbeg Square. Veterans' groups, trade unions, universities, and the Islamic Community of Kosovo all backed the event. Kosovo Police deployed operational safety plans with 12-hour shifts and riot-gear teams near diplomatic missions ahead of the verdict.
Political Leaders Split on Public Support
Kosovo's acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not announce whether he would attend the march. Only two of Kosovo's four parliamentary party leaders accepted invitations to speak: Bedri Hamza from the Democratic Party of Kosovo and Ardian Gjini from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo. Hamza told the crowd: "In the name of the people, Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, I declare you innocent." He added: "To those who make decisions, from this square we say 'think about the consequences before you decide on September 16.'"
Serbia Warns Against Nationalist Pressure on Judges
Serbian President Vučić framed the rally as an attempt to intimidate The Hague court. He stated: "They are saying there will be violence and putting pressure on the court if that does not happen." Vučić said he does not expect meaningful European response and added: "We will wait until September 16, and then we will respond." Belgrade views the KLA defendants as terrorists responsible for ethnic cleansing of Serbs, Roma, and political rivals between 1998 and 1999.
Public Campaign Uses Symbols to Build Support
Supporters mounted a broad campaign with countdown clocks, murals, banners, and exhibitions across Kosovo. A banner outside EULEX headquarters read: "In the name of the people, declare them innocent." Fljaka Fazlija, daughter of a fallen KLA member, warned that Kosovo would not remain silent if an injustice occurred. She said the march reflected the expectations of thousands of citizens who view the four men as liberators who won Kosovo's freedom through sacrifice.
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