The fact-finding mission report of the Council of Europe Platform for the Safety of Journalists, titled “Kosovo: Reversing the Decline in Media Freedom,” was launched today in Prishtina at a conference organized by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF).
The conference presented the report’s findings and recommendations, which address the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in Kosovo, as well as the necessary steps to improve the environment for practising journalism. The findings were presented by ECPMF Senior Legal Advisor Flutura Kusari.
The report highlights that, although Kosovo has made progress in several areas, significant challenges to media freedom remain. Among its key recommendations are the revision of the Law on the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in line with European standards, strengthening the editorial and financial independence of the public broadcaster, improving mechanisms for the safety and protection of journalists, and increasing the efficiency of justice institutions in investigating and prosecuting attacks against journalists.
During the panel discussion “How Can the Environment for Practising Journalism in Kosovo Be Improved?”, AJK was represented by Chairperson Xhemajl Rexha, who discussed the challenges faced by journalists and the importance of strengthening mechanisms for protecting media freedom and journalists’ safety, together with Lumturije Vuçetaj from the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja and Luljeta Mehmeti from the Kosovo Police. The panel was moderated by Prof. Jeton Mehmeti.
