Special Court expected to issue verdict on September 16, “Freedom Has a Name” announces two marches

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will announce its verdict on September 16 in the case of four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, while organizers of the “Freedom Has a Name” platform have begun preparations for two rallies in their support.

Ismail Tasholli, the platform’s organizer, announced that the first event will be held on September 12 in Pristina, while the second will take place on September 16 in The Hague, on the same day the verdict is expected to be delivered for Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi.

According to Tasholli, the march in Pristina will be called the “March of Freedom,” while the event in The Hague will have the same slogan and description. He said the activities are growing in scale due to the experience of the two previous marches, the approaching verdict and increased public interest in developments in The Hague.

“Freedom Has a Name” also assessed that cooperation on these events is broader than in previous cases, which, according to Tasholli, could make the September 12 march the largest in Kosovo’s history, reports KosovaPress.

Tasholli predicted that at least 200,000 citizens would take to the streets and squares of Pristina to express their support for the former KLA leaders. He said he generally avoids making numerical predictions, but believes participation will not be lower than 200,000 people and could be even higher.

The platform has also prepared another event in case the verdict against the former KLA leaders is acquittal. In this scenario, motorcyclists will organize a march from Pristina Airport toward the center of the capital as part of their welcoming ceremony.

The organizer recalled that a motorcycle march had previously taken place in The Hague. He said the event would aim to symbolize their welcome to Kosovo, adding that the final details would depend on the relevant specifics and protocols. Tasholli expressed his conviction that in this case “all of Kosovo” would be out on the streets to welcome them, reports KosovaPress.

The four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army have been held in detention in The Hague since the beginning of November 2020. The Kosovo Specialist Chambers is expected to announce its verdict in their case on September 16.