Kelmendi calls on Muhaxheri to publicly distance himself from Porfirije: “Why should this closeness exist?

VV MP Taulant Kelmendi has reacted to Patriarch Porfirije’s statements at the funeral of Ratko Mladić, describing them as unacceptable and shameful.

He also criticized the mayor of Peja, Gazmend Muhaxheri, for his meetings and close relations with Porfirije. Kelmendi called on Muhaxheri to declare publicly and distance himself, while questioning the reasons for this closeness.

“Patriarch Porfirije’s statements at Ratko Mladić’s funeral are shameful and unacceptable. A war criminal convicted of genocide cannot be glorified as a hero of the Serbian people,” wrote Kelmendi.

According to him, Gazmend Muhaxheri, mayor of Peja, continues to meet with Porfirije. Kelmendi emphasized that the published photograph was taken two months ago.

The VV MP recalled that this is not the first time Muhaxheri has appeared next to Porfirije. He also mentioned 2022, when the mayor of Peja publicly defended the Patriarch, stating that Porfirije does not make nationalist statements and respects Kosovo.

“Why should the mayor of Peja, one of the cities most affected by the war, have so much closeness with this man who today publicly honors and glorifies war criminals?” Kelmendi asked.

He also raised the question of why this closeness should continue, challenging Muhaxheri to distance himself publicly.