Bishop Dodë Gjergji reacts to verdict against former KLA leaders: The nation must be united

Following the verdict against the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, the Bishop of Kosovo, Dodë Gjergji, issued a written statement to the media.

According to him, the verdict has caused profound sorrow while also reviving a sense of historical injustice.

Gjergji said the verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers shows once again that the “ordeal” of historical injustices has not ended. He stressed that, under these circumstances, unity remains essential to persuade the justice system to treat Albanians fairly.

The bishop urged that pain not prevail over reason and that anger not undermine wisdom.

He said responses should be characterized by restraint, peace and responsibility, while challenges to the verdict should be pursued through legal and institutional mechanisms.

According to Gjergji, a people’s anger can be understood only when it is transformed into energy in the pursuit of truth and justice.

He called on Kosovo’s institutions and political class to act responsibly and in a coordinated manner.

Gjergji emphasized that differences must be overcome whenever the people’s freedom, dignity and historical memory are threatened.

He called for national unity around truth, dignity and responsibility for the future. According to him, this is how the integrity of the people’s struggle for freedom can be defended, friendships with those who stood by them during the most difficult days can be strengthened, and the trust damaged after liberation can be restored.

The bishop also stressed the need for Kosovo to continue maintaining friendly relations with the countries that supported it during the war and to work toward rebuilding the trust damaged after liberation.

Speaking about the role of the Church, Gjergji said it cannot assume responsibility for judging people or the justice system, but at the same time it cannot remain silent in the face of this situation.

He said the shared duty is to seek truth without hatred, justice without revenge and reconciliation without forgetting what is right.

In conclusion, Gjergji said Kosovo does not need more noise, but wisdom, unity, resilience and faith.

On September 16, the Specialist Court in The Hague sentenced former President Hashim Thaçi to 25 years at first instance, Jakup Krasniqi to 25 years, Kadri Veseli to 18 years and Rexhep Selimi to 13 years.