Albanians pay tribute as Hashim Thaçi’s father is laid to rest
Albanians from across Kosovo, Albania, and the diaspora gathered in Skënderaj to honor Haxhi Thaçi, the father of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi. The funeral was attended by senior political figures from both Albania and Kosovo, reflecting the deep respect for Thaçi’s legacy and the sacrifices made for Kosovo’s independence. The Special Court in The Hague denied Hashim Thaçi permission to attend, a decision that has sparked outrage among Albanians who view it as unjust.
Why is this important: The funeral became a moment of national unity, as thousands of Albanians paid their respects despite the controversy surrounding Hashim Thaçi’s detention. The Special Court’s decision to bar him from attending has intensified debates over the legitimacy of the war crimes tribunal, with many in Kosovo and Albania seeing it as a politically motivated prosecution. The strong presence of Albanian officials further underscored this message.
Context: The funeral saw high-ranking Albanian officials in attendance, including Minister of State Taulant Balla, former Speaker Gramoz Ruçi, and Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino, who laid wreaths in Skënderaj. Linda Rama, wife of Prime Minister Edi Rama, also traveled to Kosovo, delivering a heartfelt message to the Thaçi family.
“This is a day of sorrow,” she said, addressing Hashim Thaçi’s mother and wife. “A day that reminds us of the sacrifices of thousands of parents and spouses in Kosovo who bore the burden of war and now endure separation.”
What else: Hashim Thaçi, detained in The Hague on war crimes charges, was granted a brief visit to his father before his passing, but the denial of his presence at the funeral has fueled anger across Albanian communities. Many see this as part of a broader pattern of selective justice against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders.
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