Albanians protest in Zadar, Croatia for former KLA leaders, call for justice in The Hague

Dozens of Albanians gathered in Zadar, Croatia to express support for the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and to call for justice in the trial taking place at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

The event was organized by the Association of Albanians of Zadar County, in cooperation with the Union of Albanians in Croatia and at the initiative of Sami Gashi.

The protest was also attended by the chairman of the Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans’ Organization (OVL-KLA), Hysni Gucati, who said the gathering had been organized to oppose what he described as injustice toward former KLA members.

“We are holding this protest in Zadar, against the injustices, freedom for the liberators, long live the Kosovo Liberation Army. Glory to the nation’s martyrs,” Gucati said.

During the gathering, participants continuously chanted “KLA” while holding red-and-black flags and banners in support of the former KLA leaders.

Earlier, the Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans’ Organization had announced that it supports the event, calling on compatriots to take part in order to show solidarity with the former KLA leaders.

The gathering comes after the Specialist Chambers trial panel set September 16 at 10:00 as the date when the verdict will be announced in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

According to the trial panel’s decision, the postponement of the verdict announcement was made because of the large volume of evidence examined during the judicial process.

Similar protests in support of the former KLA leaders have also been held in Albania, North Macedonia and The Hague.