The Bytyqi brothers are clear evidence of Serbia's crimes against Albanians but also of Serbia's lack of will to take responsibility for the crimes committed, said acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, on the 27th anniversary of the murder of the Albanian brothers from America, Yll, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi.
At a memorial gathering, Kurti said that the story of the Bytyqi brothers is a story of patriotism.
On June 23, 1999, the three brothers were helping a Roma family travel from Prizren to the Serbian border. During the journey, they were arrested by Serbian police and killed in prison. While in custody, they disappeared and their bodies were later found at a base in Petrovo Selo in eastern Serbia. The Bytyqi brothers were citizens of the United States of America (US). The Bytyqi brothers had left the US where they lived to fight alongside other KLA soldiers. July 8, 1999 is remembered as the day of their murder. The US has consistently accused Serbia of executing them, shooting them in the head with their hands tied behind their backs.
Kurti said at the commemoration that the passage of time does not erase the obligation for justice and that time is making the burden of impunity even heavier.
"The Republic of Kosovo believes that lasting peace and relations between states and peoples of the region can only be built on truth, responsibility and justice," Kurti said. "When we remember Ylli, Agron and Mehmet, we remember the high price of the freedom we enjoy. But at the same time, we remind ourselves that freedom must be built every day: in democratic institutions, with the rule of law, with equality before the law, with a strong army, with respect for every citizen and with protection of the dignity of every person who flourishes and has the opportunity to increase his well-being and that of his family. This is the most worthy way to honor them and to bring to life the ideals of the martyrs."
Kurti said that Kosovo is grateful to the US for continuously seeking justice for the Bytyqi brothers. "This commitment is important for their family, but also for the fundamental principle that serious crimes should not go unpunished."
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Kurti in New York: The ideal of the Bytyqi brothers, a guide to moving forward
Kurti said that Kosovo vows to seek truth, responsibility and justice, punishing both the order-givers and the executioners.
