The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) is deeply concerned by today’s discussion at the Independent Media Commission (IMC), during which Deputy Chairperson Drita Morina proposed that the potential closure of the Debat Plus programme on TV Dukagjini be discussed at the Commission’s next meeting.
AJK considers this statement unacceptable, irresponsible, and a direct attack on media freedom and freedom of expression in Kosovo. Today’s discussion follows a series of unfounded punitive decisions taken against media outlets in recent days.
AJK reiterates that it is not within the IMC’s mandate to sanction media outlets or journalists because of debates or statements made by guests appearing on their programmes.
The unprecedented fines imposed by the newly constituted IMC confirm the concerns previously raised by AJK and civil society that the Commission has become fully aligned with the policies of the Vetëvendosje Movement and the Government, which seek to intimidate media outlets and journalists.
Media freedom and freedom of expression are rights guaranteed in Kosovo, while media pluralism is a fundamental democratic value that no IMC decision can undermine.
AJK calls on the IMC to immediately abandon its practice of penalizing media outlets and to carry out its work strictly within the scope of its legal mandate.