On June 29, 2026, reports emerged about a planned demonstration in Croatia on July 5th aimed at demanding the release of former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK). The announcement was made by Hysni Gucati, the chairman of the Organization of Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army, during a press conference held on Monday. According to Gucati, the protest will take place in Zadar, Croatia, starting at 6:00 PM. The demonstration carries the slogan "Freedom for the Fighters," reflecting the participants' hopes for justice and the return of these individuals to Kosovo.
The protest is part of a broader effort by supporters of the former UÇK leaders who are currently being tried in The Hague. Gucati expressed confidence that the process nearing its conclusion would result in a favorable verdict by July 20th. He emphasized that this protest would be the last one, as he believes the former leaders of the UÇK will soon be released back to Kosovo. Gucati also invited Albanians and ethnic Albanian communities living in Zadar to join the demonstration, noting that there are two neighborhoods in the city with long-standing Albanian populations who have historically supported such causes.
The demonstration in Zadar has been organized by several community figures, including Salih Ukaj, Nikollë Prekaj, Pal Palaj, and Sami Gashi, according to Gucati's statement. These individuals have taken responsibility for organizing the event, which is expected to draw significant attention from both local and international observers. The choice of Zadar as the location highlights the presence of a substantial Albanian diaspora in Croatia, many of whom have been actively involved in advocating for their compatriots still in legal limbo abroad.
The trial of the former UÇK leaders in The Hague represents a complex legal and political issue involving the recognition of Kosovo’s independence and the status of individuals involved in its struggle for self-determination. While the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has already concluded its work, the ongoing trials in The Hague involve different legal frameworks and jurisdictions. This situation continues to generate debate among legal experts, human rights organizations, and affected communities regarding the fairness and legitimacy of the proceedings.
Supporters of the accused argue that the trials are politically motivated and lack due process, while others believe they are necessary to address alleged war crimes committed during the conflict. The upcoming verdict is anticipated to be a pivotal moment, potentially influencing future relations between Kosovo, Serbia, and other European countries. The outcome could also affect the stability of the region, particularly given the historical tensions surrounding the Kosovo War and its aftermath.
Reactions from various stakeholders remain divided. Some members of the international community have called for a fair and transparent judicial process, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law even in sensitive cases. Others have voiced concerns over potential biases or inconsistencies in the legal procedures applied to the former UÇK leaders. Meanwhile, families of the accused continue to advocate for their release, often highlighting personal stories and the emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty.
As the date of the protest approaches, organizers are working diligently to ensure a peaceful gathering. They have reached out to local authorities in Zadar to secure permits and coordinate logistics, aiming to create an environment conducive to dialogue and expression of support. The event is expected to attract not only local residents but also visitors from other parts of Croatia and possibly beyond, underscoring the significance of the cause to the wider Albanian diaspora.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on the anticipated verdict from the court in The Hague. If the decision favors the release of the former UÇK leaders, it could mark a turning point in the legal saga and provide closure for many involved. Conversely, if the ruling does not meet expectations, it might lead to further protests and calls for international intervention. Regardless of the outcome, the demonstration in Zadar serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of past conflicts on present-day lives and the continued pursuit of justice by those affected.
4 reports
RTKState / PublicLeftyesterdayThe article discusses the decision by the Special Court to delay the announcement of the verdict in the case against former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK). The delay, pushed back to September 16, was justified by the court as necessary due to the complexity of the case, the large number of evidence, and the need to prepare a well-reasoned judgment. This decision has sparked criticism from politicians, analysts, civil society representatives, and families of the accused, who accuse the court of deviating from its original mission of justice. Professor Daniel Serwer, a former supporter of the court, criticizes the prolonged detention of the accused and argues that the process has strayed from its initial goals. The Organization of Veterans of the UÇK also expects the accused to be acquitted, with its leader Fatmir Sopi expressing confidence that the judiciary will reject the charges based on evidence presented by Serbian prosecutors and intelligence services.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the delayed verdict as a deviation from the court’s original mission of justice, emphasizing criticisms from left-leaning figures like Professor Daniel Serwer and the Organization of Veterans of the UÇK. It highlights concerns over the prolonged detention of the accused and the 'l
Koha.netIndependentLeft4 days agoGazmend Syla, Deputy Chairman of the Organization of Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK), expressed expectations that the upcoming protest in Croatia would be as large as previous demonstrations held in defense of former UÇK leaders currently on trial in The Hague. These protests aim to highlight concerns over perceived injustice in the trial process. Syla emphasized that while they do not claim innocence for the accused, they strongly oppose any unfairness in the proceedings. Previous protests were organized in Skopje, Pristina, The Hague, Tirana, and Strasbourg. The four former UÇK leaders—Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi—are under investigation by the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office since November 2020 but have declared their innocence. Additionally, Syla mentioned that Dritan Goxhaj does not appear in the organization's database as a UÇK fighter, despite claims by Goxhaj himself and others.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the protests as a response to perceived injustice in the trial of former UÇK leaders, emphasizing opposition to unfairness rather than directly addressing legal arguments. It highlights the organizers' stance against bias in the judicial process, which aligns with a left-leaning,抗
Koha.netIndependentLeft4 days ago July 5th protests in Croatia for the release of former KLA leadersOn July 29, 2026, Hysni Gucati, Chairman of the Organization of Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK), announced a protest scheduled for August 5 at 6:00 PM in Zagreb, Croatia. The protest aims to demand the release of former UÇK leaders held in The Hague. During a press conference on Monday, Gucati stated that this protest would take place in Zagreb’s Park, emphasizing that Albanians and ethnic Serbs living in Zagreb for many years would participate. He expressed hope that this would be the final protest, believing that the former UÇK leaders would soon return to Kosovo.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the protest as a justified demand for the release of former UÇK leaders, using terms like 'liberation' and 'freedom for the liberators,' which align with leftist narratives emphasizing historical justice and national liberation. The emphasis on the participation of both Albanians,
RTKState / PublicLeft5 days ago Gucati: Të dielën protestë në Zarë të Kroacisë, kërkohet drejtësiOn Monday, September 5th, in Sarajevo, Croatia, a protest is planned at 6 PM to demand justice for four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) currently being tried in The Hague. This was announced by Hysni Gucati, the head of the UÇK's Organization of Former Leaders (OVL), during a media conference. The protest has been called by citizens and organized by Salih Ukaj, Nikollë Prekaj, Pal Palaj, and Sami Gashi. Gucati expressed hope for a just verdict from the Special Chambers in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of proper evaluation of the work done by both the defense and their side, and hoping the decision will be in their favor.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the protest as a legitimate call for justice, highlighting the efforts of the accused and expressing hope for a fair outcome. While the subject involves international legal proceedings, the emphasis on 'justice' and the portrayal of the defendants as seeking fairness aligns with a
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