Two days after the Special Court’s ruling in The Hague on four former leaders of the KLA, dozens of former fighters of the Kosovo Liberation Army disembarked in the morning at the Port of Durrës, bringing with them flags, KLA symbols, and the slogan “Freedom has a name.”
Arrival in Durrës after reactions to the ruling
Their movement comes at a politically and emotionally charged moment, as the September 16 ruling continues to generate reactions in Kosovo and Albania.
The presence of the former fighters in Durrës brought that reaction onto the ground as well, not only in public statements and political positions.
Travel in uniforms and a call for support
Before departing for Albania, they had made it known that they would travel in KLA uniforms, with the aim of conveying messages of support and restraint after the ruling.
According to the position they made public, the expectation remains that the case will take a different direction on appeal.
The group’s voice after returning from The Hague
After arriving in Durrës, commander Mala from Tetovo, Ismail Selimi, spoke on behalf of the group.
He focused on the experience of the process in The Hague, on the ruling delivered against the former KLA leaders, as well as on the disappointment that, according to him, is linked both to this process and to politics.
The arrival of the former fighters in Durrës keeps the public echo of The Hague ruling alive, in a climate where symbolism, the memory of the war, and the expectation of an appeal are being used as part of the political and social reaction.
Beyond the messages declared for restraint, their presence shows that the issue remains open in Albanian and Kosovar public opinion.