The U.S. Department of State has published its 2024 Human Rights Report for Kosovo. In the section on media freedom and freedom of expression, the report highlights findings from the Kosovo Journalists Association (AGK) regarding the challenges faced in obtaining information from public institutions, as well as the pressures placed on journalists and media outlets through attacks by the Government of Kosovo.
“The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) reported being the target of online smear campaigns when defending journalists and the media. AGK stated that government officials, including the Prime Minister and members of the ruling political party, were involved in these smear campaigns to undermine public trust in the media. The AJK also reported that photoshopped images were used in threats against journalists and to spread disinformation aimed at discrediting the media,” the report states.
The report mentions that several government officials, political parties, businesses connected to public institutions, religious groups, and disgruntled individuals have applied pressure on media owners, editors, and journalists to prevent the publication of certain materials.
The report also addresses the Media Independent Commission Law, passed on July 11, 2024, about which the AJK, the Ombudsperson, and civil society organizations have expressed concerns regarding its potential impact on the independence of the institution. The law was under review by the Constitutional Court at the time the report was being prepared and was declared unconstitutional in mid-2025.
You can read the full report here: https://tinyurl.com/3aëxëpj7