At a final press conference ahead of the event, representatives of the civic platform “Liria ka Emër”  (Freedom Has a Name), Eliza Hoxha and Ismail Tasholli, said the march would be a peaceful demonstration calling for justice and respect for what they described as the country’s historical legacy.

Hoxha said organisers had received broad support from across Kosovo, including confirmations of participation and logistical backing from various municipalities.

She added that trade unions, independent professionals, teachers, doctors, artists, athletes and religious representatives had joined the initiative, which she described as non-partisan.

“This is not a party issue. It is not about power. It is about justice and national dignity,” Hoxha said.

The platform said members of the diaspora and ethnic Albanians from the wider region had also confirmed participation. Organisers said they expect more than 200,000 people to attend, though no independent estimates were available.

Hoxha said participants would call for justice for former Kosovo leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, who are currently facing war crimes charges at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

Tasholli said the march would feature five speakers from different sectors of society and would not include party representatives.

“We reiterate: no speaker will represent a political party. This is a citizens’ march,” he said.

The programme will also include artistic performances and a symbolic action at the NEWBORN monument, a landmark in central Prishtina associated with Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence.

Organisers said security and logistical arrangements have been coordinated with Kosovo Police, emergency services and local authorities to ensure what they described as a peaceful and orderly gathering.

Feb. 17 marks the anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008.

/KosovaPress/u.sh/