The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) strongly condemns recent statements made by Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Sylejman Elshani, directed at the Roma-language radio station Romano Avazo, based in Prizren.
In a televised interview, Deputy Minister Elshani questioned the professional qualifications of the journalists at Romano Avazo and cast doubt on the quality of the station’s work. Such statements are unacceptable and appear intended to undermine the efforts of journalists working at this important media outlet.
Romano Avazo is the only 24-hour Roma-language radio station in Kosovo. Through its online presence, it plays a vital role in informing and engaging the Roma community in their native language.
AJK calls on Deputy Minister Elshani to retract his derogatory remarks and to commit to supporting the advancement of Roma journalists and media within Kosovo’s broader media landscape.
AJK also expresses its full support for the dedicated team at Romano Avazo and encourages them to continue their invaluable work, especially given the difficult financial conditions under which they operate.