Kastriot, 17 September 2026
On the 28th anniversary of the abduction and enforced disappearance of Kosovo Hero Xhavit Haziri by the Serbian secret service, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti paid tribute at his statue in the city of Kastriot.
“To commemorate the life and honour the work of Xhavit Haziri, we paid tribute at his statue in Obiliq, on the anniversary of his disappearance on 17 September 1998. On that day, which was a Thursday, just as today, Xhavit Haziri had left his home to go to the offices of the Council for the Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms in Prishtina, where he worked. As he was passing near the Llap Mosque, two officials of the Serbian secret service abducted him and put him into their white Golf car. Witnesses to the incident stated that the car headed towards the road where the Prishtina Madrasa was located. Four days later, on 21 September, his family reported Xhavit Haziri missing to the media, but he has remained missing ever since,” said the Prime Minister.
Originally from Druar in Vushtrri, activist Xhavit Haziri (1960) was educated in Obiliq and completed his law studies at the University of Prishtina. Following the 1981 demonstrations, Xhavit Haziri became actively involved in bringing together and unifying underground political organisations in Kosovo, during which period he served a prison sentence from 1986 to 1990. Following his release from prison, Xhavit Haziri continued his political and patriotic activities in the Popular Movement of Kosovo and the Kosovo Liberation Army, as one of the most prominent members of these two organisations.
Kosovo Hero and martyr of its freedom, Xhavit Haziri will be remembered for his patriotic commitment among his fellow compatriots in the history of the Kosovo people’s struggle for freedom. Glory to his memory!
