The SafeJournalists Network expresses serious concern following statements made during latest meeting of Kosovo’s Independent Media Commission (IMC), where Deputy Chair Drita Morina stated that if current affairs programme Debat Plus, broadcast by TV Dukagjini, continues to “violate” the rules to discuss its closure. She said this will be discussed at the next meeting of IMC.
The proposal comes amid a series of recent sanctions and fines imposed on media outlets by the newly constituted IMC, further deepening concerns about the regulator’s approach towards independent media and critical journalism in Kosovo. Notably, the proposal follows a complaint lodged by a member of the Government from the ruling party Vetëvendose concerning comments made by a guest during a live debate on the programme.
While the IMC has certain legal powers to impose sanctions on licensed broadcasters in cases of established violations and following due process, any such measures must comply with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, media freedom, proportionality, and legal certainty. SafeJournalists Network recalls that Kosovo’s Constitutional Court recently struck down significant parts of the Law on the Independent Media Commission, finding several provisions related to the Commission’s powers and sanctions incompatible with constitutional standards and media freedom protections.
What makes this case particularly concerning is that the discussion about closing Debat Plus does not appear to stem from any direct violation committed by the programme itself, nor from a systematic breach by the broadcaster. Rather, it follows comments made by a guest during a live debate.
If any individual believes that a panellist’s statements amount to defamation, incitement, or another unlawful act, the appropriate avenue is to seek legal remedy through the competent judicial institutions against the individual who made those statements. Regulatory mechanisms should not be used to pursue the closure of a media programme merely because it hosted a live discussion in which a guest expressed controversial or disputed views.
The possibility of discussing the closure of a political television programme because of remarks made by a guest raises serious concerns regarding editorial independence, media pluralism, and the chilling effect such actions may have on broadcasters and journalists. Holding an entire programme responsible for statements expressed by a participant in a live debate risks discouraging open public discourse and undermining the role of media as a platform for democratic discussion.
“We find the proposal appalling and indicative of how far the IMC is willing to go to suppress media freedom and freedom of speech in Kosovo. The sheer idea of shutting down a political TV show is unacceptable and cannot be considered. This only confirms our alarm that the IMC has become a body composed of supporters of the ruling Vetevendosje party, appointed with a mission to intimidate journalists and media in the hope that it will also lead to self-censorship. We urge our colleagues to continue their work in the public interest and to challenge in court such biased decisions and fines imposed against media” said Xhemajl Rexha, Chair of the Board of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the IMC to refrain from actions or public statements that may be perceived as pressure on independent media, to act strictly within its legal mandate, and to ensure that any regulatory measures fully respect Kosovo’s constitutional and international obligations regarding freedom of expression and media freedom.
The SafeJournalists Network will continue to monitor developments closely and remains ready to inform relevant European and international media freedom mechanisms should concerns regarding regulatory pressure on media persist.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 12 June 2026
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro