Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti called for a comprehensive investigation into the murder of the Bytyqi brothers, Yll, Agron, and Mehmet, stating that securing justice for them remains a commitment for the Republic of Kosovo and the international community. During a memorial gathering on the Prime Minister’s Office balcony, marking the 27th anniversary of the Bytyqi brothers’ deaths, Kurti described their story as a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom. He recounted that the three brothers, who held American citizenship with Kosovo origins, served in the “Atlantic” volunteer unit of the Kosovo Liberation Army during the liberation war against the Serbian regime.
Kurti highlighted an incident where, on June 23, 1999, they were assisting a Roma family fleeing Kosovo to Serbia when they were detained by Serbian police. Following a 15-day imprisonment, they were allegedly executed by the Serbian state apparatus; their bodies were later discovered in the Petrovo Sello mass grave in Serbia in 2001. Kurti stated that the Bytyqi brothers represent “clear evidence of Serbia’s crimes against Albanians and at the same time of its lack of will to take responsibility for these crimes.” He asserted that the passage of time does not diminish the obligation for justice but rather intensifies the burden of impunity.
The acting Prime Minister noted the consistent joint efforts of Kosovo and the United States in demanding that those responsible for the murder be brought to justice. He acknowledged the US for its ongoing involvement and referenced resolutions passed by the US House of Representatives in 2019 and 2022, which urged Serbia’s cooperation in solving the case. Kurti concluded by affirming that the Republic of Kosovo will persistently pursue the truth, accountability, and justice for the Bytyqi brothers until the matter is fully resolved.
Topics: #murder #bytyqi #brothers
