published on Prishtina Press Newspaper, New York http://prishtinapress.info/faces-of-kosovo-the-uncovered-truth/

1. Faces of Kosovo: The Uncovered Truth
By: Ermira Babamusta, Ph.D., New York
How does one survive a war that took the lives of 12,000 Kosovar Albanians, expelled
863,000 Albanians from Kosovo, and displaced at least 90% of the Kosovar Albanians
population during the war? (October 1999 UNHCR estimates, quoted in OSCE
"Kosovo/Kosova: As Seen, As Told”, 6 Dec. 1999). How does one try to rebuild life
when grief haunts you for the rest of your life not knowing why your loved ones were
killed? The truth is that you will never “get over it”, but perhaps justice can ease the pain
just a little.
Egzona and Gëzim Kunoviku, victims of the Kosovo war have come to terms with
‘acceptance’ of their parents’ death. However, the unknown answer to why their parents
were killed makes it nearly impossible to piece their life back together. It is a daily
struggle of overcoming the most painful memory in their life and a constant pursuit of
finding answers. What is more outrageous is that no one has ever paid for the death of
Mr. and Mrs. Kunoviku.
In the Photo: Zylije dhe Namon Kunoviku, innocent victims of Kosovo War
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2. Egzona Survives the Killing Squad
“During the Kosova war, for safety reasons, parents did not permit their children to spend
the night at home. On April 24, 1999 Egzona, a 9-year-old girl decides to stay at home
with her mother while her brother, Gëzim leaves for the night. At approximately 9:00
PM, someone comes and kills her father and while she is crying on her mother’s lap her
mother is shot four times. Miraculously Egzona survives. With no place to go she ends up
sleeping on her dead mothers lap until the next day when her brother returns home and
discovers the atrocity” (Roko Markolovic, director and writer of the play “Why Did You
Kill My Parents”).
Egzona’s Brother Escapes Death
“Without an explanation, only because my family was Albanian and was standing in the
doorstep of their house, they killed both of my parents in front of my sister, who at that
time was only nine years old. My sister experienced the biggest trauma in her life. Even
though she had only lived 9 springs, she initially experienced my father’s cold-blooded
murder and then my mother’s, whose last words were: “Thank you God that my son is
not here!” while my sister was grabbing hold of her legs. I cannot give a concrete
explanation why my sister came out alive, but I think that at that moment she must have
lost consciousness and perhaps they must have thought she was dead.
On the morning of Sunday, the 25th April I came back home with my girlfriend, because I
had spent the night at a cousin of mine in the city as per my father’s request. I returned
home without having an idea that such an unseen tragedy had taken place. Once I entered
the yard, I saw my father lying in front of the steps with his face on the floor, with about
one meter diameter of blood pooled around him. The bullet had struck him in the head.
Whereas, at the entrance of the one-storey house, on the couch in a half laid position, I
found my mother who had also been murdered, also covered in blood. My sister was
awake, shocked and covered in blood. As soon as she saw me, she stood up and told me
what had happened.
This was the last moment that I was in my house, because immediately after I had
covered my parents’ bodies with the jacket I was wearing that day, my sister and I went
to our cousins. I later learned that our parents’ bodies had been taken by the Romany
people, who at that time were collaborating with the Serbs, and buried them in the
graveyard. Only when NATO forces forced the Serbian army out, I was able to visit my
parents’ graves for the first time dated June 16th 1999.” (Gëzim Kunoviku Interview,
Prishtina, Kosovo, 17 April 2007 quoted in “Kosovo Status Talks: A case on
International Negotiations,” by Ermira Babamusta, p. 129 ).
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3. Egzona Today
“After the April 24 events, Egzona’s life was totally different. Even though we tried to
offer her somewhat a normal life, we knew that deep in her soul something was missing
and she felt empty inside. Fortunately, she still had the will to live. In the beginning I
wanted to change Egzona’s school because she had to pass everyday through same street
where the destroyed house was. I didn't want my little sister to face the trauma again and
again. However, the new school proved to be more difficult because she felt even more
lonely and secluded. She was very withdrawn, unable to make conversation with anyone
or make any new friends at that brittle age. So I decided to return her to the same
primary school.
After completion of the Natural Science High School, she was accepted at the University
of Prishtina, Economics department, to pursue Management and Informatics. She became
independent, more lively, very ambitious and motivated, started making friends, took
interest in traveling and even got her driver’s license. She’s a very good driver now.
Later on, during my work with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan Egzona expressed her
interest to come and work there. She wanted to have a different experience in her life, and
also to contribute to the U.S. Army as her way of showing gratitude for U.S.A.’s
intervention and its tremendous help in Kosovo. She worked for a year for the Fluor
Corporation in the management office to support the U.S. Army in the Middle East ”
(Gëzim Kunoviku Interview, New York, 6 April 2012).
In the Photo: Egzona Kunoviku, Kosovo War Survivor
After working in the Middle East, Egzona returned to her homeland to finish her studies
in Prishtina and is preparing for her second year final exams. She plans to continue higher
education and pursue graduate studies.
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4. Though Egzona survived the horrific event, she has not escaped from the pain. Egzona
still awakens at night to the memories of the war and the atrocity committed to her
family. For a young girl to witness such daunting crime and survive it is nearly
impossible. But she fought back and changed her life. She is now pursuing her passions
and is making an independent living.
While women in Kosovo fought during the war in different ways, they are understood as
heroes, icons and leaders. They are now the driving force behind the social
transformation and are leading the nation in the democratic, constitutional, economic
front (Remarks of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Prishtina, Kosovo, 13 October
2010).
Egzona is among the women heroes of the Kosovo war survivors. She is truly inspiring.
She is the symbol of courage, virtue and hope that keep us humble and hopeful.
"What I enjoy in life first of all is family. I also love taking trips with my friends to see
different places. I enjoy learning different languages, especially, Latin languages such as
Italian and Spanish. In the near future I see myself as a successful economist and
pursuing graduate studies, perhaps outside of Kosovo.
During my recent visit in New York, I tasted great food in exquisite restaurants and met
great people who offered their hospitality to show me the most beautiful sites in the city.I
liked the way of living in US. It was different from the places that I been in Europe like
Germany, Netherlands and Sweden, " said Egzona.
In the Photo: Ermira Babamusta and Egzona Kunoviku at Ground Zero, 911 Memorial, April 2012, NYC
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5. Gëzim Today
Gëzim, twenty-two at the time of the incident, was psychologically devastated. He was
left with no money and the house was completely burnt down. He had to work very hard
to look after the family, with no support and no resettlement from the government.
Gëzim is now married to his beautiful wife, Ermira and they live happily in Kosovo.
They have four children: Labeat (12), Alba (9), Jon (6) and Rron, the youngest son
sixteen months old. Gëzim is a very strong and driven individual, with passion to help
others. He risked his own life to save the life of others. His parents would have surely
been proud to see what an extraordinary person he is today.
In the Photo: Gëzim Kunoviku, Medical Doctor
“Losing my dear parents was not the only thing that I had to deal with. It was so much
more. I was left without a house, no job, no money, nothing at all. And I had to take care
of my sister and my wife. Later I became a father, so I had no choice but to interrupt my
studies for five years and work instead. I just couldn’t continue to support my family
anymore.
After lot of difficulties I graduated college and became a medical doctor on July 2009. I
started working as volunteer at the Emergency Center in Prishtina. And in April 2010 I
joined the U.S. Army as a medical doctor, stationed in Afghanistan, where I worked for
16 months. After that I returned in Vushtrri (Kosovo) to work at the Emergency Center. I
am expected to start medical residency in Anesthesiology very soon.
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6. As a family we made it on our own and have moved forward. I am happy that my sister
Egzona is pursuing her goals and following her dreams in life. I am very grateful to my
lovely wife, Ermira, who has been my only support throughout this very difficult time.
Ermira has been the backbone of the family and has kept me strong. She knows how to
motivate and encourage me. She never left me alone for a moment and she never stopped
taking care of Egzona and our children” (Gëzim Kunoviku Interview, New York, 6 April
2012).
Accountability and Justice for the war victims
Rebuilding a post-war Kosovo has been a critical battle of political and social
reconciliation and reconstruction. Over 810,000 refugees have returned to Kosovo as of
Dec. 1999. (UN Dept. of Public Information, "Bringing Peace to Kosovo: The First Six
Months", Dec. 1999) After the 2008 declaration of independence, the young Kosovo has
been in the process of building itself as a sovereign nation. The Kosovar government
must now decide how to best resolve its aftermath issues, such as crimes against
humanity and human rights abuses. The Kosovo judiciary must develop and implement
strategies that fully address such crimes. The individuals responsible for the killing, mass
destruction and forced expulsions that convulsed Kosovo in 1998 - 1999 must be brought
to justice. International Organizations such as the United Nations and the European
Union have an obligation to see that justice is done.
How can there be reconciliation in a society without justice for the victims? Any legal
strategy that deals with reconciliation should be complemented by a strategy that helps
the victims. For the Kunoviku Family there has been lack of accountability since the
perpetrators have not been captured. Egzona and Gëzim Kunoviku strongly feel that their
justice has been ignored.
“During the war I kept thinking about what freedom would be like. I hoped for a changed
and just society in Kosovo. I imagined that the murderers of my parents and the ones who
committed the genocide in Kosovo would see their day in court. However that day never
came. Even the accountability process was never done properly. To this day, in Kosovo,
there are still missing persons and bodies. Serbia refuses to give information of the
whereabouts of the dead bodies. Mass graves are often discovered in the Serbian region.
I strongly believed that the Ministry of Justice would further investigate into my parents’
death and initiate a claim with the higher courts, but this never happened. It has been
thirteen years since the incident and no answers. It seems that after the Milosevic trial in
the Hague Tribunal ended with his mysterious death in the prison, crime cases in Kosovo
closed too” (Gëzim Kunoviku Interview, New York, 6 April 2012).
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7. Roko Markolovic’s Play is Making the Truth Visible
A simple play, yet deeply emotional and triumphant
Writer and director Roko Markolovic heard the story in 2007 from a family member
while shooting his movie “My Destiny: An Albanian Love Story” in Kosovo. He was
bothered that justice for Egzona and Gëzim has been ignored. He interviewed Gëzim to
bring to light Kosovo’s “invisible war crimes”. He wrote a play titled “Why Did You Kill
My Parents?” to share the feelings from the interview with the American public. The
play, directed by Roko Markolovic, and produced by Diana Cena was staged in Bronx in
January 2012 at the UFT Theatre and in Manhattan in April 2012 at Joria Theatre.
Photo by Alex Selimaj
“When I heard about this story it was clear what the intent of the killers was. That is they
wanted to send a message to Albanians that no Albanians were safe. It was get out or get
killed. I can’t think of a more innocent person losing their life than someone sitting at
their own home, minding their own business and drinking coffee”, said Roko
Markolovic.
Roko Markolovic is an extremely talented director and an extraordinary writer. His
avant-garde creativity and confidence is impressive, which offers a fresh style of
storytelling and observational directing. He is the writer/director of three feature length
films My Christmas Gift, Till Death Does Us Part and My Destiny an Albanian Love
Story. Roko returns to the stage as director of Why Did They Kill My Parents?.
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8. Previously he directed Macbeth, All My Sons, No Exit, Vanities and The Glass
Menagerie.
“Why Did They Kill My Parents?” is a powerful play that depicts the agony of a Kosovo
war young survivor Egzona, as she witnesses the murder of her parents. It is an
unforgettably powerful show that leaves you speechless, for having witnessed an atrocity.
The audience identifies with the play on a deeply emotional and intellectual level, which
embodies the director’s passion and eloquence. The brilliant director Roko Markolovic
sets the stage for something more than just a stage performance and a historical drama.
The experience gives the audience a dose of reality by witnessing the killing – a true
awakening. It stimulates thought-provoking after-play conversations on justice/injustice,
forgiveness, survival, defiance and healing.
“I didn’t want the audience to come and be entertained. I wanted them to be involved. I
wanted the audience to feel the pain of what this family went through. I wanted them feel
for Egzona. I wanted them to be witnesses. No words can better articulate how the
audience felt than the tears on their faces as they witnessed the atrocity,” said Mr.
Markolovic.
In the Photo: Egzona and Gëzim Kunoviku and Dia Zyrafete Cavdarbasha (in the middle), at Producer’s
Club, NY. Dia is a young talented actress, who played the role of Egzona in the play. She if a fifth grader
who attends “Shkolla Shqipe” in Bronx.
Egzona and Gëzim were in the audience at the Joria theatre during the April 2012
showing. It was very difficult and emotional for both of them to see the actors reenact the
haunting night of their parents’ murder. Their presence was kept a surprise for the cast,
until the end of the play, when producer Diana Cena opened up the Q&A session and
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9. introduced Egzona and Gëzim Kunoviku. Egzona and Gëzim traveled from Kosovo to
New York to show their support for the amazing director and the play written for them.
In the Photo: Producer Diana Cena introducing Egzona and Gëzim Kunoviku to the cast, crew and
audience during the Q&A after the play, at Joria Theatre, NYC (April 2012)
The cast is stunning with each performance revealing the vivid details and engaging the
senses. As shots are fired on stage by the two killers, played by the talented Agim Jimmy
Rrugova and the gifted Alban Veliu, the audience gasps for breath, stirring up powerful
emotions. Convicting performances by the lead cast intensify the emotional level and the
room energy. The brilliant and graceful performances of the three young adorable
actresses, namely Dia Zyrafete Cavdarbasha, Rina Vatovci, and Emine Demarovski,
portraying a nine-year old Egzona, captured the hearts and the minds of the audiences
with their remarkable sincerity. The outstanding performances of the amazing Kristofor
Lulaj, playing Gëzim, the exceptional Maxemilian Corkum, playing the mother and the
talented Nikolin Gjoklaj, playing the father, give the audience what they have been
waiting for – to bear witness to the suffering and heart-breaking story of the Kunoviku
family.
“Looking at the scene where the family is together, sitting at the porch, I felt a smile for a
few seconds. But it was sad because I was faced with the same reality again,” said Gëzim
Kunoviku. “Most importantly, the director was able to show to the American public a
true story of real war survivors. I am sure it was something unseen before for them, very
different from watching the news on TV or a documentary. The audience was very
curious to know how we moved on and they had a lot of interesting questions to ask. It
was great that I was able to thank in person all the great people of this country for their
support, especially for what U.S.A. did for Kosovo,” he added.
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10. "As a Kosovo refuge, this story is important because it tells the world what people in my
country endured. The American public loved the play and anyone who has seen it, will
never forget Egzona's ordeal. I can't wait to take this play to other parts of United States
and then eventually to Kosova and Albania," said producer Diana Cena.
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