Thousands of citizens gathered in Skanderbeg Square in Pristina as part of the “Freedom March,” a rally organized in support of the former KLA leaders, as the day of the verdict by the Specialist Chambers in The Hague draws near.
The rally began in central Pristina
The gathering began in Kosovo’s capital with the participation of a large number of citizens, who joined the march organized by the initiative “Liria ka emër.”
According to the organizers, the event is being held as a sign of solidarity with Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi.
Participants from Kosovo, Albania and the diaspora
Citizens from different cities of Kosovo were seen in the square, along with participants who arrived from Albania and the diaspora.
Among them, according to publicly released information, were citizens who entered through the Morina border crossing, as well as Albanians arriving from Switzerland and other countries.
The rally comes days before the ruling is announced
The march is being held on the eve of the first-instance ruling for the four former KLA leaders, which is expected to be announced on September 16 in The Hague.
The timing of the event gives the rally direct political and public weight at a sensitive moment for public opinion in Kosovo.
Political presence and traffic measures
The Democratic Party of Kosovo and the Alliance were also present in the square, while the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration, Ali Ahmeti, was also reported among the participants.
For the smooth running of the event, according to Kosovo Police, traffic measures were taken and Agim Ramadani, Luan Haradinaj and Enver Zymberi streets were temporarily blocked.
Free transport for participants
The organizers announced that free transport had been provided from cities across Kosovo for citizens who wanted to join the march.
In Pristina, during this day, public transport and parking are free of charge, a convenience that is expected to have contributed to the high turnout at the rally.
The gathering in Pristina is taking place in a charged political and emotional climate, as attention remains focused on the ruling expected to be announced in The Hague for the four former KLA leaders.