Abdixhiku: Identification of Three Intellectuals, a Step Toward Clarifying One of the War’s Gravest Crimes

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, has reacted after the identification of the mortal remains of Idriz Rrecaj, Adem Beqiri, and Salih Mëziu, members of the so-called “Group of Intellectuals,” abducted and disappeared during the war in Kosovo.

DNA analyses have confirmed that the mortal remains found in Kalludër and Jabukë in Zubin-Potok belong to the three intellectuals from Skenderaj and Mitrovica, who were abducted by Serbian forces on April 19, 1999.

In his reaction, Abdixhiku expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the identification a painful moment, but at the same time an important step toward clarifying the war crimes in Kosovo.

“This is painful news for their families, but also an important step toward clarifying one of the gravest crimes of the war in Kosovo. On April 19, 1999, they were abducted and violently disappeared by Serbian forces, while for 27 years their families waited to learn the truth about the fate of their loved ones,” the LDK statement said.

Abdixhiku dwelled in particular on the figure of Idriz Rrecaj, recalling his political engagement during the years of resistance.

Rrecaj was an activist and one of the founders of the LDK branch in Skenderaj, while during the war he was also engaged in the Kosovo Liberation Army.

According to Abdixhiku, the identification of the three missing persons is not only the end of a years-long wait for their families, but also testimony of what Kosovo experienced during the war.

“Their identification is not only the end of a long family wait. It is also further testimony of what Kosovo has experienced,” he said.

The LDK leader demanded that clarifying the fate of missing persons and documenting war crimes continue to be a priority for Kosovo’s institutions.

“Truth and justice are the debt the Republic owes to those who sacrificed for it,” Abdixhiku wrote.

Idriz Rrecaj, Adem Beqiri, and Salih Mëziu had been listed as missing for more than 27 years, until their identities were confirmed through DNA analysis.