Protesters from various cities across Kosovo, Albania, and Europe have gathered in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, ahead of the “Justice for the Liberators” protest set to begin in a few hours.

They are demanding the release of the former KLA commanders, who they say are being unjustly detained in The Hague.

Sami Hoti from Rugova, Gjakova, said he came to the protest because of what he called injustice toward the liberators:

“They must be released as soon as possible because they are being held unjustly. I call on all Albanians — anyone who feels Albanian — to join this protest,” he said.

Muhamet Beqiri from Skenderaj said that today everyone, young and old, should be present in the square to stand for a just cause:

“My message, and that of everyone here, is that the innocent should be released as soon as possible, and the real criminals who killed and massacred — the UDB agents — should be arrested,” he stated.

A protester from Tirana, Ali, said he joined the rally for the sake of Albanian blood:

“The KLA soldiers must be freed. I didn’t come here for the politicians — they’re all corrupt. I came here for Albanian blood,” he said.

Meanwhile, a citizen from Vushtrri said that the people of Kosovo are facing injustice, warning that if the KLA is convicted, the entire Albanian people are being condemned.

“We are here to support the liberators. Thanks to them, Kosovo enjoys its freedom today — thanks to them, children go to school freely, thanks to them we have our police, our army, every achievement we have is because of them. Once and for all, justice must prevail.
Since the war, we’ve faced injustice — from Haradinaj and Limaj’s trials, to the UNMIK court which was incriminating and unfair, then EULEX, and now this Special Court based on falsified evidence from Serbia,” he said.

The protest in Tirana is organized by the Organization of KLA War Veterans (OVL-UÇK).
During a press conference held yesterday, organizers announced that over 60 buses would depart from Kosovo to take part in the protest.