Punitive Measures Against RTK Editors, Prishtina, 12.3.2025

Translations: Pristina 

• Case info

• Personal info

• Regional center

  Pristina
• Who was attacked?

  Group
• Group members' names and surnames

  Editors of RTK

• Media outlet

• Name of the media outlet

  RTK
• Type of media platform

  Radio
  Radio
  

• Incident Data

• Date of incident

  12.03.2025
• City

  Prishtina
• Perpetrator(s)

  Known (convicted)
• Attacked by

  Public person(s)
  
• Means of incidents and attacks

  Other means of incidents and attacks
  
• Type of incident

  Other threats to journalists
• Type of threat

  Other

• Action by the authorities

• Action taken by the journalists' association

• Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?

  Unknown
• What was the reaction of the journalists' association?

  The association reacted publicly
  

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses deep concern following the confirmation of the punishment of three editors of the Public Broadcaster, RTK, by the Television Director, Rilind Gërvalla.

Jehona Zhitia, Valon Bajrami, and Arton Mulliqi were sanctioned for not airing a report about the Government and Prime Minister Kurti in the late-night news edition. One of the editors stated that the report “did not meet professional standards” and was therefore not broadcast, adding that such decisions have been made before at RTK.

AJK considers this punishment brutal and unacceptable. Editors of the public broadcaster must have full independence in making editorial decisions as they see fit.

Such interference is entirely political and part of the ruling Vetëvendosje party’s ongoing effort to exert total control over RTK. This is being carried out through Director Gërvalla, a former activist and donor of this political party.

AJK encourages all journalists and editors of the Public Broadcaster to continue their work in the public interest, despite obstacles and pressures.