"Resistance in Kosovo..." browses the underground press between ideology and freedom

It was the period between 1980–1999. At that time, illegal organizations were growing, as were their information platforms. “Letters from prison” were also published, ending with “revolutionary greetings.” It was strongly believed that freedom would be won with the help of the socialist Albania of that time. “Resistance in Kosovo 1980–1999 through the underground press,” is the title of the exhibition that brings out from the archives several newspapers and magazines of that time, which for the exhibition organizers were “a symbol of resistance and aspiration for freedom, equality and independence.”

With the national flag above the eagle is the five-pointed star and alongside an illustration of a rifle, "Liberty", something between a newspaper and a magazine, began to be published secretly in Kosovo in 1980 as an organ of the self-identified "Marxists-Leninists of Kosovo".

“Who are the freedom fighters in Kosovo and what do they want?” is the headline on the front page. It is just one of the contents of the then-illegal press that was exhibited in the exhibition “Resistance in Kosovo 1980–1999 through the Underground Press” on Wednesday at the National Library of Kosovo.  
Immediately after the demonstrations of March and April 1987, in May of that year the third issue of this newspaper was printed with the title "Our People's Struggle is Just and Will Triumph". The subtitle called for the unity of the proletarians of oppressed peoples and countries. The illustrations displayed slogans of Marxism and Leninism, while the star was not removed from the flag. 

Over time, the illegal organizations at that time were increasing, as were their information platforms. “Letters from prison” were also published that ended with “revolutionary greetings”. It was strongly believed that freedom would be gained with the help of the socialist Albania of that time. In fact, leaders of the organizations had direct communication with the leaders of Albania.

The exhibition organized by the Institute of History, “Ali Hadri” brings together many stories from that time. According to the exhibition, “Zëri i Kosovës” began publishing in 1981. A special edition in September 1988 in the newspaper, which identified itself as the organ of the People’s Movement for the Republic of Kosovo, stated that “Our people demonstrate for justice, language, flag and freedom.” The illustrative photo on the cover shows a scene from the protest of August 29, 1988 in Kumanovo. “Joint fist in the fight for freedom!” is written in the explanatory caption of the photo. 

They are the currents that believed that Marxism-Leninism would bring freedom. Regardless of ideological beliefs, their focus was freedom. And they did not give up on this until 1999 when the military activity of the KLA, the peaceful policy of parallel institutions with peaceful tendencies, and the help of the democratic world, led to the liberation of Kosovo. 

The Director of the Institute of History, "Ali Hadri", Teuta Shala-Peli, said that at a time when freedom of speech was prohibited, there was a secret press which became a powerful means of information.

"The underground press became a powerful tool of organization, information, and national awareness. It was not only a source of information, but also a symbol of resistance and aspiration for freedom, equality, and independence," Shala-Peli said. 

According to her, the publishers, distributors and authors of these materials operated under extremely dangerous conditions, risking their freedom and lives.

“Thanks to their courage and dedication, today we have the opportunity to document and understand a very important part of our recent history. This exhibition reminds us that resistance does not only take place in the streets and demonstrations, but also through the written word, through secretly printed newspapers and through ideas that cannot be suppressed,” she said. According to Director Shala-Peli, this exhibition is an appreciation and gratitude for those activists who contributed to national identity.
"At the same time, this exhibition is also an appreciation and gratitude for all those activists, intellectuals and patriots who contributed to preserving the national identity and the journey towards freedom of Kosovo," she said. 

Dorina Daiu, a researcher at the Institute for Studies on Crimes and Consequences of Communism, as co-organizer, said that the materials presented in this exhibition prove the courage and dedication of the activists, who have risked their lives to have freedom of expression.

“The materials presented in this exhibition testify, in addition to intellectual abilities, to the courage, dedication and sacrifice of many activists, who, risking their freedom and lives, contributed to the spread of truth and free speech of a people who never gave up on their aspirations for freedom,” she said. According to Dai, it is a very precious part of historical memory and a testament to the resilience of the Albanian people of Kosovo during the dark years of 1980–1999. 

“Allow me to express my highest consideration, respect and gratitude to all the activists of this period, whose sacrifices and contributions helped and enabled a free and independent Kosovo,” said Daiu. She then took the microphone and took turns providing explanations for the materials presented in the exhibition, a situation that was both explanatory and self-promotional. 
At the February ceremony, activist Emrush Xhemajli addressed the attendees, saying that such activities are necessary. 

"In the difficult conditions that existed, efforts were made to provide accurate information about what was happening in Kosovo. Not only this exhibition but also other activities that are organized are a value and honor for history and those who have contributed," he said.

The exhibition is not that rich in material and the curation does not quite match today's concepts. But it is a basis that dusts off the illegal activity of more than four decades ago. It reveals the enthusiasm for freedom and the way it was called to be achieved.