Adem Demaçi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adem Demaçi
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| Born | 26 February 1936 |
| Died | 26 July 2018 (aged 82) |
| Burial place | The Martyr Cemetery, Prishtina |
| Nationality | Kosovar |
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| Alma mater | University of Prishtina University of Belgrade University of Skopje |
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| Years active | 1950–2017 |
| Known for | Activist for human rights Peaceful struggle against the Yugoslav authorities in Kosovo |
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Notable work
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Gjarprinjt e gjakut (English: The Snakes of Blood) |
| Political party | Parliamentary Party of Kosovo (1996–98) |
| Movement | Kosovo Liberation Army |
| Opponent(s) | Yugoslavia |
| Spouse(s) | Xhemajlije Hoxha |
| Children | Abetare and Shqiptar |
| Awards | Sakharov Prize 1990 Human Rights Prize at the University of Oslo 1995 Hero of Kosovo 2010 |
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Adem Demaçi (pronounced [dɛmatʃi]; February 26, 1936 – July 26, 2018) was an important Kosovo Albanian politician and writer. He is famous for spending many years in prison because he bravely spoke out against the government in Yugoslavia. People often called him the "Balkan Mandela" because he fought for freedom and human rights for so long.
Early Life and Activism
Adem Demaçi studied different subjects like literature, law, and education. He went to universities in Pristina, Belgrade, and Skopje. In the 1950s, he started writing short stories. These stories often talked about social issues in a smart way.
He also wrote a famous novel in 1958 called Gjarpijt e gjakut (which means The Snakes of Blood). This book explored the old tradition of blood feuds in Kosovo and Albania. The book made him well-known as a writer.
In 1963, Demaçi started a secret group called the Revolutionary Movement for the Union of Albanians. He was first put in prison in 1958 for speaking against the government of Josip Broz Tito. He spent three years there. He was imprisoned again from 1964 to 1974, and then from 1975 to 1990. In total, he spent 28 years in prison for his beliefs. By the late 1980s, he was seen as one of the most important people in Yugoslavia who spoke out against the government.
In 2010, he received a very special award called the Hero of Kosovo. This award recognized his long fight for justice and freedom.
Political Journey
After he was finally released from prison, Adem Demaçi continued his work for human rights. From 1991 to 1995, he was the leader of the Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms of the People of Kosovo. He also worked as the main editor for a magazine called Zëri from 1991 to 1993.
In 1991, he won the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. This award is given to people who fight for human rights and freedom. On March 24, 1993, he and many journalists went on a hunger strike. They did this to protect free speech and a newspaper called "Rilindja."
In 1996, Demaçi became more involved in politics. He took over as the president of the Parliamentary Party of Kosovo.
Two years later, he joined the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). He became the head of their political group. In 1998, he told The New York Times that people living under harsh rule have the right to resist. He felt that peaceful methods had not worked for them. In 1999, he left the KLA. This was because they attended peace talks in France, but the proposed deal did not promise Kosovo's independence.
Even though his wife left Kosovo before the war, Demaçi stayed in Pristina with his sister during the entire Kosovo War. He believed that leaders should not leave their people during such important times.
After the war ended, Demaçi worked as the director of Kosovo Radio and Television until January 2004. He continued to be active in politics, working with Albin Kurti, who leads the nationalist movement Vetëvendosje!.
Later Life and Passing
Adem Demaçi passed away on July 26, 2018, in Prishtina, Kosovo, at the age of 82. His death was a sad event for the country. Kosovo declared three days of national mourning to honor him. On July 28, 2018, he was buried in a special cemetery for heroes in Prishtina. It was a state funeral ceremony, showing how important he was to his country.
See also
In Spanish: Adem Demaçi para niños
