Tirana, October 10 – A nationwide protest under the motto “Freedom Has a Name” will be held in Tirana on October 17 in support of former commanders of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA), who remain in pretrial detention in The Hague on war crimes charges.

The peaceful rally is scheduled to take place in Skanderbeg Square at 17:00, with participants demanding justice for the former KLA leaders currently on trial in The Hague. The protest follows similar gatherings recently held in Prishtina and The Hague.

In detention for five years are Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. They are accused of war crimes committed during the Kosova conflict (1999). Former President Thaçi and his fellow fighters have denied all charges. Since September 15, their defense teams have begun presenting evidence and calling witnesses in court.

/a.p./