As Albanian Americans, we are deeply committed to the ideals of liberty and justice—principles that serve as the cornerstone of any properly functioning democratic society. These ideals provide every citizen with security, dignity, and predictability in their daily lives, ensuring just interactions with fellow citizens and governmental authorities.
It is the responsibility of every citizen to uphold and defend these principles. When liberty is arbitrarily taken, and justice is manipulated as a political weapon, it becomes the duty of citizens to resist, expose such injustices, and restore the integrity of these ideals through lawful means.
Nearly a decade ago, under immense international pressure stemming from the so-called Dick Marty Report—a report alleging organ trafficking by some members of the KLA (allegations of Russian origin, now eerily echoed against the Ukrainian resistance)—Kosovo’s Parliament voted to establish the Specialist Chamber, entrusting it to the international community. After a decade of investigation, no charges related to organ trafficking have been brought forward. It is now evident that these allegations were entirely fabricated for political purposes.
However, instead of focusing on its original mandate, the Specialist Chamber has engaged in actions that undermine justice and peace. Four years ago, without an indictment, the President of Kosovo was detained while en route to the White House to sign a historic peace agreement with Serbia. This arrest clearly aimed to sabotage the American-led effort to secure peace in the region. Since then, nine other prominent Albanian officials, including the current and former Speakers of Parliament, have been arrested—yet not a single Serb has been brought to justice by this Chamber.
This glaring imbalance is even more troubling when considering Serbia’s role in Kosovo’s tragic past. During the war, the Serbian Army and paramilitary groups committed atrocities, including massacres, summary executions (including the murder of three Americans), and the brutal slaughter of women and children. These crimes resulted in over 13,000 deaths, 25,000 rapes, and the destruction of entire villages. Despite these facts, between the ICTY and the Specialist Chamber, only 6 Serbs have faced prosecution, while nearly 20 members of the Albanian freedom movement have been arrested.
Furthermore, the Specialist Chamber has violated fundamental due process, presenting fabricated evidence and relying on false, scripted witnesses. This court, through its actions, seeks to rewrite history by equalizing victims and aggressors—an outrageous attempt to relativize the noble results of NATO’s American-led intervention against Milosevic’s war machine. As Albanian-American community organizations, we vehemently oppose this shameful distortion of historical truth.
We are further dismayed that the Chief Justice and Prosecutor of this court engage with foreign diplomats while refusing to extend the same courtesy to Kosovo’s officials or the Parliament that established the court. This body does not even recognize the flag of the country that created it. Such actions undermine Kosovo’s sovereignty and its hard-won independence, which was recognized by the International Court of Justice and over 100 nations worldwide.
Now, with the prosecution’s weak case contradicted by its own witnesses and despite the detainees being subjected to 24-hour surveillance, including translators monitoring every meeting, the prosecution has resorted to witness tampering charges. This is unacceptable. Enough is enough.
We, the undersigned, make the following calls to action:
- To President Osmani and Prime Minister Kurti:
We urge you to use your influence to bring international attention to the gross miscarriage of justice taking place within this judicial body. Furthermore, we call on Prime Minister Kurti to lift the cap on defense funds available to detainees, ensuring they receive a fair defense. - To the Parliament of Kosovo:
We demand immediate hearings on this matter. The Justices and Prosecutors of the Specialist Chamber must be called to testify regarding the court’s mono-ethnic character and its repeated violations of due process. - To the United States Government:
We urge you to thoroughly investigate this matter and take all necessary steps to restore justice, fairness, and accountability to this one-sided process.
The ideals of liberty and justice must not be weaponized. History must not be rewritten. We will remain vigilant in defense of the truth, the dignity of our people, and the sacrifices made for Kosovo’s freedom.
Batalioni Atlantiku
Albdreams Albanian American Community of Illinois
Albanian American Council
Albanian American Cultural Center of Texas
Albanian American Relations Council
Albanians Assisting American Veterans of War
Ceka international foundation
DIBRA Association
Global Albanians Foundation – Boston
Jehona e Malsise of Michigan
Malesia e Madhe Association- New York
Malesia e Madhe-Michigan
Manhattan University Albanian Club
Pan-Albanian Federation VATRA
PEJA Association
Princeton University Albania Kosova Association
Rozafa Shkodra Association
Rutgers University Albanian Club
Seton Hall University Albanian Student Organization
St. Francis College Albanian Roots Club
St. John’s University Albanian Culture Club
The Albanian American Association of ULQIN Inc.
Valet e Liqenit, ChicagoTelevision
CC:
United States Department of State
Hon Bob Corker, Chairman Senate International Relations Committee
Members Senate International Relations Committee
Hon. Brian Mast, Incoming Chairman of House Foreign Relations Committee
Members House Foreign Relations Committee
Hon. Lindsey Graham, Incoming Chairman Senate Judiciary Committee
Members Senate Judiciary Committee
Hon. Jim Jordan, House Judiciary Committee
Members of House Judiciary Committee