Diaspora protests across Europe against the Specialist Court verdict

Diaspora Albanians are gathering today in several European cities as part of protests under the motto “Not in my name,” in support of the former KLA leaders and against the verdict of the Specialist Court in The Hague.

Protests have been announced in London, Oslo, Geneva, Treviso and Lindau, while diaspora rallies were also held yesterday in several cities in Germany and Finland.

In Nuremberg, Germany, the protest starts at 14:00. Organizer Selim Hoti says that through this rally they seek a review of the Specialist Court’s decision and the release of the former KLA leaders.

“The Hague International Court must correct the shameful mistake it has made in the history of international courts, by declaring the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army guilty in the name of the people. Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi are themselves the freedom of Kosovo, which we enjoy today. Therefore, through this protest we demand their release and their return with heads held high to Kosovo, as Dardania wants,” Hoti told Radio Dukagjini.

At the same hour, a protest will also be held in Geneva, Switzerland. Organizer Milot Arifi says they expect a large turnout of compatriots from various Swiss cities, including Bern, Lausanne, Fribourg, Zurich and Lucerne.

Arifi says the organizers have secured all necessary permits from local authorities. He has noticed, however, less support from Swiss citizens compared to previous protests.

“Although the Swiss, in general, always support us Albanians, this time we have noticed we have less support. I believe this comes from fear that this situation could turn against them,” Arifi told Radio Dukagjini.

In London, meanwhile, the protest will be held from 15:00 to 18:00 at Richmond Terrace, opposite Downing Street.

Organizer Gent Xhaka says a portion of Britons know Kosovo’s history and the people’s suffering during the war and, according to him, this has also influenced support for today’s protest.

“There will undoubtedly be a large number of citizens joining the protest. We will set off from Richmond Terrace, opposite Downing Street, to demand freedom for the liberators and to oppose the Specialist Court’s decision. As the motto goes, we will not accept that decisions be made in the name of the citizens. Not in my name,” Xhaka told Radio Dukagjini.

There will also be a protest in Skopje, at “Skënderbeu” Square, while in Pristina, tonight from 21:00, citizens are expected to gather for the 12th night in a row, with the motto “Not in my name,” in opposition to the Hague Specialist Court’s verdict.