March for Freedom” in Pristina draws attention from international media

Thousands of citizens gathered in Pristina on Saturday to take part in the “March for Freedom,” organized in support of former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army who are on trial in The Hague. The rally was held just four days before the final verdict is due to be announced in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.

The event took place in Skanderbeg Square, where speeches were delivered, while the crowd filled not only the square but also the surrounding streets and the areas leading to it, including Mother Teresa Square and Zahir Pajaziti Square.

The event was also widely covered by foreign media. Reuters reported that thousands of people took part in the march, while flags were seen waving and banners were held among the participants.

“The Washington Post” also wrote about the event, noting that thousands of protesters had gathered in support of former President Hashim Thaçi and three other former fighters.

The Associated Press also reported on the rally, emphasizing that thousands of people had gathered on Saturday in Kosovo’s capital in support of the former KLA leaders.

According to the AP, protesters filled one of Pristina’s central squares, and many of them carried red-and-black Albanian flags. Portraits of the four former KLA fighters had been put up around the city, alongside a large digital clock counting down to the moment when the court in The Hague will announce its verdicts on Wednesday. A large banner read: “In the name of the people, declare them innocent.”

France24 also reported on the “March for Freedom.” According to the outlet, protesters chanted “KLA” and held photographs of the four former fighters, accompanied by the messages “Bring the liberators home” and “Kosovo is waiting.” The event was also covered by “The Washington Times” and Bloomberg.