Petrit Latifi

In this Albanian newspaper, we can read on the 60th anniversary of the Serbian massacre of the Albanians of Pozharan. Translated from the article:

“The Orthodox candles are lit with Albanian blood.

The Serbian massacre of the Albanians of the village of Pozharan, known as the “Massacre in the mosque”, began on December 27, 1944 and lasted until January 7, 1945. In this unprecedented massacre with blunt instruments, four citizens of Pozharana were first killed:

Shaban Halit Alidema, 75 years old, Misin Xheladin Alidema, Ajer Fejze Tërziqi and Ahmet Mustafë. Zuka, meanwhile the other 24, young and old Pozharanas were sent to the notorious prison of that time in Gjilan where they were tortured and from these 16 Pozharanas never returned, whose graves are not even known.”

“It is known that during its difficult history, the Albanian population of the Anamorava region, as well as in other parts of Kosovo inhabited by Albanians, has often experienced various massacres, such as the case of the Serbian massacre of the Albanians of the village of Lubishte, Smirë, Gjylekar, etc., in the municipality of Vitia, which were carried out by the various occupiers, especially the Serbs.

However, in terms of the manner in which the massacre was carried out against the inhabitants of Pozharan, now known as the “Massacre in the Church”, carried out and executed here 60 years ago, i.e. immediately after the end of the Second World War, due to the entry of Partisan-Chetnik forces into Kosovo.

Shaban Halit Alidema, the first victim of the massacre in Pozharan.”

Reference: Albanian newspaper.