The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, participated today at the unveiling of the “Çast” mural in the municipality of Mitrovica.
In her address to the participants, Acting President Haxhiu said that the “Çast” mural is moving from city to city and is transforming into a path of remembrance.
“It was first placed in Prishtina, then we were in Therandë, then in Pejë, today it is coming to Mitrovica, and it will continue in Drenas, Gjakovë, Gjilan, Ferizaj and Prizren. City after city, this truth is being marked on the walls of the Republic of Kosovo”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
According to her, this is a path worthy of remembrance, because according to the Acting President President Haxhiu’s memory cannot remain only in remembrance halls.
“It should also be on the streets, near schools, near homes, where people pass by in their daily life, and to, even for a moment, stop. The “Çast” mural is dedicated to people who were sexually abused during the war in Kosovo. The word “çast (moment)” seems small. You say it quickly. But in a person’s life there are moments that last a lifetime”, said Acting President Haxhiu.
She further said that the survivors of sexual violence during the war have always had a place in our memory.
“They have always had that place and with the “Çast” mural, their truth is also taking place on the walls of the cities of our Kosovo”, affirmed Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu said that we welcome every decision that condemns criminals who committed crimes during the most difficult period of our history, the one of war.
“Therefore, for many years, survivors have waited for the crime to be investigated, prosecuted and punished with the seriousness that its gravity requires. And today, once again, I call on the justice institutions to continue their work and commitment. Because as we all know, war crimes, including sexual violence during war, are neither amnestied, nor forgiven, nor prescribed,” said Acting President Haxhiu.
Acting President Haxhiu said that we know that the mural does not replace justice and does not close the pain, but according to her, it establishes in the city a truth that should never remain hidden and reminds us that survivors of sexual violence deserve respect, deserve support and a full place in the memory of our Republic.
“City after city, this mural is making silence more difficult and memory more present. For this I want to thank the Jahjaga Foundation, President Jahjaga, but also her team, as well as the municipality, the artists and all those who have made this mural possible”, emphasized Acting President Haxhiu.
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