The Chairman of the Organization of War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), Hysni Gucati, stated that today’s protest in Tirana, in support of former KLA leaders, is not political but a protest of the Albanian people. He emphasized that they will not allow the names of former KLA commanders to be desecrated, reports KosovaPress.

Gucati, speaking in front of thousands of citizens gathered at “Skanderbeg” Square in Tirana, said that the Special Court has lost the trust of the Albanians and that the process against former KLA leaders in The Hague is biased and unjust.

“This protest has nothing to do with politics; this is a protest of the Albanian people. We are not asking for mercy, but for justice and equality before the law and history. Today, Tirana is the capital of all Albanians, and from here we are telling the world that Kosovo fought for freedom and liberation… We clearly declare that the Special Court has lost all trust among Albanians. The trials taking place in The Hague are one-sided and unjust. Dear Albanians, this protest is a call of our national conscience. True justice is not afraid of the truth,” he said.

Gucati added that today’s protest is, among other things, a raising of voices for justice and the defense of the KLA’s struggle.

“Today we are protesting to raise our voices for justice. We are here to defend the sacred struggle of the Kosovo Liberation Army. To defend the blood shed for freedom and to protect the honor of our liberators. The KLA does not need to prove that it was a liberation army. History, the people, and the graves of the nation’s martyrs have already proven it. The whole world sees the Serbian crimes in Kosovo… They are trying to equate the victim with the executioner and want to tarnish our sacred, pure struggle for freedom, but we will not accept it, and we will not allow the names of our commanders to be desecrated. We will never remain silent,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, the chairman of the Tirana association, Ruzhdi Keçi, said that former KLA leaders are being unjustly held in The Hague by the Special Court.

“We are here to honor the blood of the martyrs who, with their sacrifices, gave life to Kosovo’s freedom and Albanian pride. Over the years, Tirana has been a cradle of hospitality and national unity… They are being unjustly held in The Hague prison. They are not criminals but symbols of Albanian freedom and resistance. International justice cannot close its eyes to historical truth. The KLA was not a criminal organization but the army of an oppressed people. Let us convey this clear message from Tirana,” he said.