Presentation of the Annual Report on Media Freedom and Journalist Safety in the Western Balkans

Presentation of the Annual Report on Media Freedom and Journalist Safety in the Western Balkans

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo presented its annual report today on Indicators of the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety, as well as the Western Balkans’ Journalists’ Safety Index for 2023, under the framework of the SafeJournalists Regional Platform.

Researcher Getoarbë Mulliqi compiled the report with project assistant Leonita Morina and legal expert Yll Zekaj.

This year’s findings indicate a concerning decline in media freedom in Kosovo, with reported attacks on journalists reaching 74 in 2023, a significant increase from 33 cases the previous year. This trend makes 2023 the region’s most alarming year on record for media freedom violations. Journalists working in the northern municipalities face increased risks, including threats to their lives, verbal and physical assaults, and damage to personal and professional property. A particularly troubling incident occurred in June when the government attempted to revoke the operating license of Klan Kosova, one of the largest national television stations, based on Ministry of Trade, Enterprise, and Industry findings. Despite local civil society organizations and international stakeholders’ efforts, the decision was ultimately prevented, highlighting the ongoing threats to press freedom in Kosovo.

The report emphasizes the importance of journalists documenting rights violations and calls for improved collaboration between Kosovo’s institutions and the media. It also suggests the swift establishment of a Management System to address journalist-related cases, thereby creating a more secure environment for journalistic activities.