Association of Political Prisoners Joins “March for Freedom” on September 12 in Pristina

Representatives of the civic platform “Freedom Has a Name,” Ismail Tasholli and Eliza Hoxha, visited the Association of Political Prisoners, where they discussed the organization of the “March for Freedom,” scheduled to take place on September 12 in Pristina under the motto “Kosovo Is Waiting.”

During the meeting, Tasholli and Hoxha were received by Shefik Sadiku, chairman of the Association of Political Prisoners; Xhevat Gjini, chairman of the “Movement” society; and representatives of the Association’s leadership and membership.

The discussion focused on the need for broad civic participation in support of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. It was also emphasized that the September 12 event should be inclusive and transcend political differences.

Ismail Tasholli said that the support of former political prisoners gives particular importance to the “March for Freedom.”

“The support of political prisoners for the March for Freedom carries special weight. These are people who paid with years in prison for their efforts toward Kosovo’s freedom, and they know its value better than anyone. On September 12, we want Pristina to bring together everyone who believes in justice, in the truth of our liberation war and in the return of our liberators to Kosovo. Kosovo is waiting,” Tasholli was quoted as saying in the statement.

Eliza Hoxha said that the march should convey a united civic stance in defense of Kosovo’s history, justice and dignity.

“On September 12, we are not marching for a party or a particular group. We are marching for our history and our truth, for the people who were part of our journey toward freedom. Therefore, this must be a march that brings us all together. Pristina must hear the voice of Kosovo, which is waiting for justice and the return of its liberators,” Hoxha said.

The Association’s support for the organization of the September 12 event was also confirmed by its chairman, Shefik Sadiku, who called on citizens to participate in large numbers.

“Political prisoners were an inseparable part of our people’s long struggle for freedom. Therefore, we strongly support the March for Freedom and will be part of it. On September 12, we must stand together in Pristina, to defend the truth of our war and to support those who are currently in The Hague,” Sadiku said.

Xhevat Gjini, in his capacity as chairman of the “Movement” society, also expressed his support for the march and highlighted the importance of uniting around the values of the liberation war.

“Kosovo’s freedom is the result of a long effort by many generations, which culminated in the war of the Kosovo Liberation Army. Today, we have a responsibility to defend this history and pass it on truthfully to the generations to come. Therefore, on September 12, we will join the March for Freedom in support of the liberators who are facing justice in The Hague,” Gjini said.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Association of Political Prisoners reiterated that it would fully support the “March for Freedom” and participate in the event taking place on September 12.

The “March for Freedom” will be held on September 12 in Pristina in support of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, under the motto “Kosovo Is Waiting.”