A large number of Albanians from Presheva Valley in Serbia gathered on Monday in a protest organized by the National Council of Albanians, condemning what they describe as “oppression and discrimination by Serbian authorities.”

The protest was held in response to discriminatory policies and unequal treatment experienced by Albanians in the Presheva Valley for years.

Notable figures present included Shaip Kamberi, the only Albanian member of the Serbian Parliament; Ardita Sinani, the Mayor of Presheva; Nevzat Lutfiu, President of the National Council of Albanians; Ragmi Mustafi from PDSH; Shqiprim Musliu from LPD; and various other political and social leaders from the region.

MP Shaip Kamberi addressed the crowd, asserting that discrimination is unacceptable in democratic societies, especially for a country seeking EU membership.

“We are here because Belgrade government refuses to respect our rights and integrate us fairly into state institutions,” Kamberi said, adding that Serbia is violating international norms by denying Albanians their rights.

Nevzat Lutfiu, President of the National Council of Albanians, described Albanians in the Presheva Valley as “the most marginalized ethnic group by official Belgrade.” He stressed that protests will continue until their demands for equal treatment are met.

“We live in a state where Albanians are the most despised ethnic group, even though we are on our own land,” Lutfiu declared.

Professor Llukman Misini highlighted issues with educational resources, stating, “In the absence of textbooks, teachers use alternative methods. While other regions use advanced educational tools, we are denied textbooks and history as a subject. This is because history reveals the truth about Albanians. We are also denied geography because of Kosova’s status as a state. I am here to shed light on the difficulties of Albanian education, solely due to my Albanian identity”.

Student Enis Fejzullahu expressed concerns over the non-recognition of diplomas by Serbian authorities, saying, “They might not recognize our diplomas, but they cannot erase our love for this land. Our future is here, and our identity will never be erased”.

The protest concluded with a joint statement urging Belgrade authorities to end the oppression of Albanians, addressing all the concerns of the Presheva Valley community.

/a.p./