The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) has been informed of a new indictment filed against two individuals in connection with attacks on journalists in northern Kosovo in 2023.
According to the Special Prosecution’s announcement, Member of Parliament Slavko Simiq and another individual identified as U.V. have been charged with the criminal offense of “participation in a crowd committing a criminal offense and hooliganism.”
The attack took place on June 16, 2023, in the town of Leposaviq. The Prosecution alleges that Simiq “intentionally took part in a crowd of more than eight people gathered near the Leposaviq municipal building. When Minister E.K. exited the building, masked civilians began throwing stun grenades at the official vehicle. After the vehicle passed, the defendant allegedly instructed the crowd to attack the media, which led to further assaults on journalists and media crews from the Republic of Kosovo. The attackers used stun grenades, punches, kicks, and hard objects such as concrete blocks, bricks, paint, and other items. Two journalists suffered serious bodily injuries as a result.”
The second defendant, U.V., is accused of directly using force against journalists and faces charges of “assault” and “participation in a crowd committing a criminal offense and hooliganism.”
The AJK welcomes the indictment and will closely follow the judicial proceedings. The association continues to advocate for full accountability for all attacks against journalists during May and June 2023 and calls for appropriate punishments through the justice system.
At least nine journalists and camera operators were injured in the June 16 attack in Leposaviq, with the most serious injuries sustained by RTK cameroperator Bardh Bekteshi, who was assaulted by a masked crowd.
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