The SafeJournalists Network expresses serious concern following the threats against Rami Mislimi, journalist at the news portal Tetova Sot, which happened on July 15 and were reported to the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM).
According to the information available to AJM, the incident occurred after the publication of the article and comments related to the President of the Council of the Municipality of Tetovo, Albi Kamili. Following the publication, journalist Mislimi was allegedly contacted by telephone and received serious threats directed not only towards him, but also towards his minor child, accompanied by demands to remove the published content from the portal and social media platforms.
According to the report submitted to the police, the journalist was later approached near the Municipality of Tetovo by a person who identified himself as the brother of Albi Kamili and who allegedly issued additional threats, including the statement that “one camera will not protect you.”
The case has been reported to the Ministry of Interior and the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, while the competent prosecutor Nina Dimitrievska from the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Tetovo, as a contact point for more efficient implementation of justice in cases involving attacks and threats against journalists, provided the legal qualification of the reported offence as “Endangering Security” under the Criminal Code.
SafeJournalists Network calls on the Ministry of Interior and the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Tetovo to conduct a prompt, thorough, and effective investigation, establish all relevant facts, and ensure appropriate legal accountability if the allegations are confirmed. Threats against journalists represent a serious attack on media freedom, freedom of expression, and the public’s right to be informed.
The network reminds institutions that journalists must be able to perform their professional duties without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or violence. Attacks and threats against journalists have a chilling effect not only on the individual journalist concerned but also on the wider media community and society’s ability to access information of public interest.
The SafeJournalists Network welcomes the existing mechanisms for cooperation between journalist associations, law enforcement institutions, and prosecution authorities, and expects them to be fully utilised in this case to ensure a swift and effective response.
AJM will continue to closely monitor the development of the case and provide the necessary legal and professional support to journalist Rami Mislimi.
The SafeJournalists Network stands in solidarity with Rami Mislimi and all journalists facing threats and pressure because of their professional work. Ensuring journalists’ safety is a fundamental prerequisite for free, independent, and professional journalism.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 17 July 2026
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro