The Case of Mark Junçaj: An Inspiration for Generations

Dear citizens of Malësia, we have just received the news we were anticipating: former principal Sehad Lulanaj has resigned from his position, and teacher Mark Junçaj is returning to his teaching role. It was distressing to see the students protesting. Even more concerning was the fact that they were preparing for further protests while the principal stood by as a mere spectator, seemingly believing that his actions—now clearly revealed to be unlawful—could crush human integrity and dignity.
The Albanian-American Institute has followed this case from the very beginning. We issued statements and sent correspondence to various authorities to draw attention to the situation within an institution entrusted with educating generations in knowledge and culture—an institution that had, unfortunately, become a target of political interference, where various forms of pressure were used to gradually suppress individuals of integrity who refused to bow to political dictates.
It is disturbing that official representatives—specifically Albanian officials at the highest levels—would stoop so low as to make ludicrous statements regarding the Mark Junçaj case, acting as if we lived in a dictatorship where an “emperor” or “sultan” could magically solve the problems of their subjects with the wave of a wand. This is absolutely unacceptable and utterly reprehensible. It runs counter to universal human rights. One cannot live in fear. One cannot work in fear. A society that is born, grows, and develops in fear has no future. That era has passed; those political remnants who speak the language of the “strongman”—even when openly defying the law—must be condemned and, in a democratic society, permanently removed from politics, demonstrating that the public interest prevails over personal interest.

Phrases such as “there are no losers or winners,” “we are here to resolve the issue,” “we will give you the news by this evening,” and the like, are typical statements made by dictators who claim absolute control over Malësia, treating the region as their private estate to do with as they please. But this will not happen.
Let us return to the specific situation at hand. The case of Director Lulanaj and Professor Junçaj is a matter directly concerning the country’s highest education authority—Montenegro’s Ministry of Education—rather than the Albanian political representatives who themselves appointed these incompetent individuals to high-level leadership positions. If Director Lulanaj were convinced he had acted correctly, he would have had no reason to announce his resignation today through a senior political representative. This demonstrated that the director was a political appointee—placed there by politics—and that politics ultimately sanctioned him.
Do you recall the “broom” that Malësia’s senior political representative used to brandish as a “tool” against dissenters? The director’s case has shown that, to save himself, he will sweep away even his own associates when the need arises. That broom was not meant solely for opponents, but for his most loyal allies as well! This serves as a warning signal. Malësia does not deserve this kind of degrading and humiliating treatment. The glory of Malësia is etched into every one of its stones and every inch of this land. Throughout history, its adversaries have surrendered unconditionally before Malësia. Therefore, do not be hasty; the day will come when you regret your actions, but it will be too late.

Political figures decided to advise the puppet director to resign, and ultimately, he complied. This situation reveals both losers and winners. The director is the source of the problem, yet those who backed him—the very people who appointed him—are the ones who ultimately orchestrated his downfall. They, along with the director, are the losers.
The Albanian-American Institute demands the following:

1. Mark Junçaj must be reinstated to his position unconditionally;
2. Criminal charges must be filed against Director Lulanaj for abuse of office and flagrant violation of the law;
3. Mr. Sehad Lulanaj no longer has a place at the Tuzi Gymnasium; there is reason to believe that if he returns to his post, he might retaliate against the students who protested against him. Therefore, he should not remain at the school;
4. We encourage students and other educators to speak openly and raise their voices regarding any issues they have experienced at this educational institution, so that such incidents are not repeated;
   Are we to believe that only Sehad suffered—as claimed by the high-ranking political figure who seems to treat Malësia as his private property? What about the suffering of the victim who was dismissed without cause? If not he himself, did his family not endure suffering, tears, psychological pressure, bullying, humiliation, and psychological torment? Were the director who expelled him and the person who ordered the expulsion (the dictatorial politician) the only ones to suffer trauma, stress, psychological anguish, and sleepless nights?! Anywhere in the world governed by justice, the person who orders a crime cannot be considered a victim.
   We will offer you our unreserved support and are ready to confront anyone—individual or entity—who disparages the students, the youth, the citizens, and Malësia. Long live Malësia and its youth.

With honor and respect,
Kolë Ivanaj
Coordinator, Albanian-American Institute