PRISTINA, 23.10.2017 – The Association of Kosovo Journalists monitored on Monday the trial between former journalist Liridon Llapashtica and a former official of the Ministry of Trade and Industry on the criminal case of threat.
On February 2014, Liridon Llapashtica, at that time journalist with Pristina daily “Zeri” received verbal threats from the official related to an article. The journalist received threats through telephone.
During today’s hearing, the final statements were provided by the prosecutor of the case, Menduhi Kastrati, and the defendant. The final verdict will be brought on October 26th, 2017.
Moreover, AJK encourages all journalists that are involved in disputes, and those are linked to their professional work, may inform the Association so that this organization can monitor and report on these court proceedings.
We consider that the monitoring and reporting of court cases by AJK, which includes media and journalists, would have an impact on increasing transparency and accountability by law enforcement institutions in the country, and will contribute to the security situation of journalists and their working conditions.