The “March for Freedom” will take place today in Pristina in support of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, as the verdict in the case involving the former KLA leaders at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers approaches.
Organized by the civic platform “Freedom Has a Name,” the march will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Skanderbeg Square, with organizers calling on citizens from across Kosovo to join in large numbers.
Among those expected to address the participants are PDK leader Bedri Hamza and AAK leader Ardian Gjini.
The organizers have also invited the leaders of Kosovo’s Albanian parliamentary parties to attend and speak to the crowd. According to “Freedom Has a Name,” however, only Hamza and Gjini have confirmed their participation so far.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has not indicated whether he will attend the march.
Representatives of the platform, Eliza Hoxha and Ismail Tasholli, presented details of the program and the speakers who will take part in the gathering.
Hoxha said the program will include representatives of war veterans’ associations, families of those killed during the war, and relatives of former KLA members.
“On behalf of the ‘Freedom Has a Name’ platform, the two of us will open the formal part of the March together. Hysni Gucati will speak on behalf of the war veterans’ associations. Liriona Sulejmani will speak on behalf of the children of fallen fighters, as the daughter of fallen fighter Bajram Sulejmani, bringing the voice and message of a generation that carries the memory and sacrifice of the war within their families. Citizens will also be addressed by Ardian Gjini and Bedri Hamza, as well as Buna Mustafa, the daughter of Salih Mustafa, known as Cali,” Hoxha said.
She added that the program will also feature patriotic songs intended to reflect the message of the gathering and the importance of freedom.
Hoxha also announced that buses have been organized from cities across Kosovo to provide transportation for citizens wishing to attend the march.
“We invite you to come with your families, your children, your parents and your friends. Come together on September 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Skanderbeg Square and march for our liberators,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ismail Tasholli urged citizens to join the gathering, saying that the organizers’ message, from Pristina to The Hague, remains one of unity and standing together during what they describe as a particularly important period.
“I want to extend an invitation to all citizens. Join us on September 12 at 2:00 p.m. at Skanderbeg Square in Pristina. Do not come alone—come with your families, children, parents, brothers, sisters and friends. Let this be a civic, family-oriented, peaceful and dignified March. Let us be together and let us stand in large numbers,” Tasholli said.
He also announced that supporters are expected to gather again in The Hague on September 15 from 10:00 p.m., ahead of the court proceedings.
The march is expected to bring together citizens from different parts of Kosovo, while numerous public figures have also expressed their support for the gathering.
