A significant cultural and political event is set to take place in Pristina on September 12, 2026, as citizens gather to march in anticipation of the expected acquittal of several high-profile war crime suspects, including former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. The march, organized by the platform ‘Sloboda ima ime’ (Freedom Has a Name), is a demonstration of solidarity and cultural expression, reflecting deep societal sentiments in Kosovo.
The march is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at Skenderbeg Square in Pristina and is expected to draw significant participation from various sectors of society, including artists, medical professionals, and members of the diaspora. The event is part of a broader campaign under the slogan “Kosovo waits,” which has been active since early August, as the city prepared for the verdict expected on September 16 in The Hague. The campaign has involved the erection of murals and banners throughout Pristina, expressing public support for the accused and calling for their acquittal.
One of the prominent voices in the campaign is Fljaka Fazlija, the daughter of a fallen Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) member, who has articulated the sentiments of many Kosovars. She stated that the banners and murals represent the belief and expectation of thousands of citizens that the accused should be declared innocent. Fazlija emphasized the sacrifices made for Kosovo’s independence and urged against equating liberators with occupiers, highlighting the deep-rooted historical and emotional context of the event.
The march has garnered support from various sectors, including the Kosovo Medical Chamber, which expressed its backing on September 3. Additionally, representatives from unions of miners, firefighters, and other public service sectors have pledged their support, lending the event what organizers describe as “moral and social legitimacy.”
The cultural dimension of the march is underscored by the involvement of artists and the unveiling of murals dedicated to the accused. One such mural, completed on September 8 by the artist known as “OrangeGirl,” was supported by the Pristina Directorate of Culture and attended by local officials, including Deputy Mayor Besijana Musmurati. Musmurati described the mural as a reminder of Kosovo’s path to freedom and the sacrifices made along the way.
In addition to the activities in Pristina, events are also planned in The Hague for September 15 and 16, where members of the Kosovo diaspora are expected to gather. For those unable to travel, transportation to Pristina has been organized to facilitate participation in the march.
The anticipation surrounding the verdict and the accompanying cultural expressions reflect the complex interplay of justice, memory, and identity in Kosovo. While the march is a significant expression of support for the accused, it also highlights the divisions within Kosovo and the broader region regarding interpretations of justice and historical narratives.
The event is not without controversy, as it has the potential to provoke backlash from those who oppose the celebration of individuals accused of war crimes. The broader context of ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, particularly concerning issues of national identity and historical memory, adds layers of complexity to the event.
As Kosovo awaits the verdict, the march serves as a focal point for cultural and political expression, illustrating the enduring impact of past conflicts on contemporary societal dynamics. The outcome of the trial and the reactions to the march will likely influence future discussions on justice and reconciliation in the region.
