Thousands in Kosovo Bid Farewell to Vetevendosje Activist

Thousands of people attended the funeral on Tuesday of 26-year-old Astrit Dehari, the activist from opposition movement Vetevendosje whose death in prison has sent shockwaves through the country.

Deharit died on Saturday under mysterious circumstances in a correctional facility in the western city of Prizren.

Before the funeral, hundreds marched through the main squares of Pristina demanding justice for the activist and assembling to pay tribute in front of the National Theatre in the city centre.

Dehari had been in detention since August, when he was arrested on suspicion of terrorism for allegedly throwing an explosive device in Parliament.

His death has dominated headlines in Kosovo since the weekend, while analysts, students, opposition representatives, and his friends say it has raised disturbing questions.

The initial results of an autopsy on Monday revealed that Dehari died of asphyxiation, according to the prosecutor, who gave no further details.