FOL Movement at a the annual party, awarded for the fourth time the Citizens Award for Courage. This award was presented to Mr. Adem Meta. Mr. Adem Meta is a lawyer and a devoted activist for the last twenty years. Mr. Meta gave a valuable contribution during the period before the war where he was the secretary of the Council for Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms in Skenderaj and then as a journalist, since the establishment of the newspaper Koha Ditore, informing local and international opinion on the sensational developments of that time.
After the public appearance of the KLA in 1997, through the public information he has played an important role in popularizing and presenting KLA actions and presenting the harsh repression of the Serbian police against civilians. Despite the risks to his life, Adem has followed in the war zones and the entire territory of the municipality, local journalists and international media as well as numerous international delegations. Throughout the war, wherever Adem was, there was a credible source of information and he was very cooperative for all those who wanted to learn about the reality of that time.
After the war, Mr. Meta has continued to be very active in civil society (CDHRF, KAC-i). As a journalist he has consistently been critical of all the irregularities of the actual government after the war, and as a result he won several national and international recognition, but because of his professionalism, especially since 2008, he has also encountered lots of difficulties at work. They reached the peak during the elections in 2010 in Skenderaj, and is continuing even today, not only holding back doing his job freely as a journalist but also threatening and attacking in various forms. Not even his family was spared from threatening. Mr. Meta continues to be a trusted and valuable voice for fair and objective information of the citizens of the Municipality of Skenderaj and beyond.

Halil Matoshi, a publicist at the same time member of the Advisory Board of FOL Movement, said “FOL Movement by presenting the Citizens Award for Courage recognizes and supports the valuable contribution of Mr. Meta and who is a good example of professional journalism and courage, he further added that Mr.Meta should be a good example for journalism in Kosovo.
Petrit Zogaj, the executive director of FOL said ” FOL Movement is closing this year, likewise the other three years, on an event, which is trying to support, protect and thank individuals who, although encountered difficulties in performing their daily work, did not stop at any moment to inform the public, to open debates on certain issues and to protect their right causes. Mr. Meta is an example of a dedicated citizen, who does not compromise on principles, being willing to accept the risks that may come.

Winners of this award in the last three years were: Mr. Rufki Suma, an independent candidate who won the election for mayor Hani Elezit, Mrs Ajnishahe Shala-Halimi and Mr. Ejup Bajrami, while this year the award was presented to Adem Meta.

At the annual party, FOL Movement for the third time awarded the Citizens Award for Courage. In the two previous years this award went to z. Rufki Suma, an independent candidate who won the election for the mayor of Hani Elezit and Mrs. Ajnishahe Shala – Halimi, this year this award went to Mr. Ejup Bajrami.
Mr. Bajrami was engaged as a citizen against illegal constructions since 2002. Because of his involvement in the movement against the revocation of Kosovo’s autonomy in late 80s was politically discriminated. After the war he has been engaged in Prishtina, where he has lived since 1965, by denouncing the illegal constructions in the capital of the Republic of Kosovo. Mr. Bajrami is one of the founders of the NGO “Prishtina Protection Initiative “. This organization has filed numerous lawsuits against the Municipality of Prishtina, other government institutions, various construction companies, and against irresponsible citizens as well.
Petrit Zogaj from FOL Movement, said that FOL Movement with the Citizens Award for Courage recognizes and supports the valuable and courageous contribution of the individuals who without hesitation defend the public interest of the Republic of Kosovo. He further added that by considering the commitment of Mr. Bajrami, in preventing and stopping illegal construction in Prishtina quarters, many citizens began to mobilize and oppose illegal construction.
Genc Salihu, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of FOL Movement, when presenting the award stated that it was an honor for him to present this award and especially when considering that Mr. Ejup Bajrami has proven to be successful in his initiative and that we should appreciate his courage. Mr. Bajrami is an example of civic engagement, by facing the abusive practices even in his age as a pensioner. The Citizens Award for Courage in 2011 with full merit bears his name, concluded Genc Salihu.
When receiving the award, Mr. Ejup Bajrami said he was very happy to accepts this award and also with responsibility. He said that this award has proven the purpose of his and Prishtina citizens initiative, and also this award means that we must not give up defending the public interest, which is also our own interest.

At the annual party, FOL Movement for the second time awarded the Citizens Award for Courage. In the first time this award was awarded to Mr. Rufki Suma in 2009, an independent candidate who won the election for mayor of Hani Elezit whereas in 2010 the Citizens Award for Courage was presented to Mrs. Ajnishahe Shala – Halimi.
Mrs. Halimi is a civil society activist, dedicated in protecting the rights of women and children, with a special focus on improving the position of women in society. She was a coordinator of the Center for Protection of Women and Children in Skenderaj and in 2004, she founded and currently leads the Women’s Center “Prehja” in Skenderaj.
FOL Movement by presenting the Citizens Award for Courage recognizes and supports the valuable and courageous contribution of the individuals in cultivation and development of democracy and political culture in Republic of Kosovo. Activities such as Ms. Shala – Halimi has organized proved courage to challenge important processes and issues in the community where she lives.
Hajrullah Ceku, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of FOL Movement when presenting the award stated that “It is an honor for me to present the award for the second time and what makes special this year award is that the award is presented to a woman. Mrs. Shala – Halimi proved success in her initiative and we should appreciate her courage”.
When accepting the award, Ms. Shala – Halimi stated “I am very happy to accept this award and I feel also responsible. I am only one of many women who are trying for the best of this country, therefore I feel so privileged that I have been chosen to receive this award”.
After presenting the award there was a cocktail for participants which at the same time was the closing activity of FOL Movement in 2010.

At the annual party, FOL Movement for the third time awarded the Citizens Award for Courage. This award is presented to honor and recognize the contribution and courage of the citizens who participate in processes which help in the development of political culture and democracy in the country. Citizens Award for Courage will be annual. This award, which is awarded for the first time in Kosovo by FOL Movement was presented to the Mayor of Hani Elezi, Mr. Rufki Suma who was the only independent candidate in Kosovo, who ran for the Mayor and won the election.
Hajrullah Ceku, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of FOL Movement, when presenting the award stated that Civic Initiatives should be supported and their success is an advancement of political culture in the country. Rufki Suma has proved to be successful in his initiative and we should appreciate the his courage.
When accepting the award, Mr. Suma said that he was very happy to accept this award and it is also a responsibility. He said that in 2010 and other following years should prove the commitment of civil society, as in this occasion when FOL Movement presents such an award. Mr. Suma further said that this award, which is presented for the first time in Kosovo, may encourage competition between people who have the guts, courage and moral values to face and win the competition against those who lack courage, are immoral and still administer the country’s institutions.
Ramadan Ilazi, the executive director of FOL Movement when commenting on the award and annual performance of FOL Movement stated that the organizations will expand the activities in 2010 and be more voiced opposing the bad governance and corruption. He said “In 2010 we will start with three major programs: debate, good governance and active citizenry programs. We will establish the truth-o- meter which will verify the statements and promises of political parties, will begin to publish the monthly report Corruption Monitor and we will cooperate with the institution of the ombudsman.
FOL Movement is a non-governmental organization that promotes freedom of speech and is committed to good governance, active citizenry and development of debate culture. In achieving these goals FOL will focus on researches and advocacy campaigns, in networking and mobilization.
FOL Movement Vision is that Kosovo Citizens be active participants in the decision making process and improve the living conditions of their communities and require accountability from elected officials.