Thousands of Albanians from across the diaspora gathered today in The Hague demanding justice and freedom for former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), who are being tried by the Specialist Chambers in the Netherlands.

The protest—organized by the Organization of KLA War Veterans (OVL‑UÇK) with support from the diaspora—took place near the Specialist Chambers’ site.

Speakers at the event included Hysni Gucati (OVL‑UÇK leader), Fatmir Koci (co‑organizer), and former Dutch Ambassador to Kosovo, Robert Bosch. They criticized what they see as unfair treatment and politicization in the trial process.

One of the central slogans was “Freedom for the liberators.” Protesters held banners, chanted, and sang patriotic songs. Many came from Kosovo, Europe, and farther afield, with over 500 veterans alone making the journey.

The protest occurred just ahead of the start of the defence phase in the trial, which is to begin presenting witnesses on 15 September.