The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK), has expressed concern over reports of ongoing attacks, insults, and threats against journalists and basketball commentators Agon Fehmiu and Ulpiana Emra.
AsistOnline’s editorial team informed the AJK that, during the final series between KB Bashkimi and KB Trepça, Fehmiu and Emra were subjected to attacks. In Prizren, during the incident when objects were thrown onto the court following the suspension of center player Michael Myers, commentator Agon Fehmiu was hit in the back by a half-filled bottle of water.
On May 14th, during the fourth final match held at Minatori in Mitrovica, after the game concluded, as Ulpiana Emra stood up from her commentator position to conduct interviews, a spectator reached from the stands and struck the plexiglass, hitting the journalist in the process. Fortunately, she was not injured.
For the AJK, these attacks are unacceptable and intolerable. Journalists should never be hindered in performing their duties in the public interest.
The AJK calls for an immediate halt to these attacks, and urges both teams in the final to ensure that appropriate working conditions are provided for commentators.
Additionally, we urge the Kosovo Police to investigate these threats and for the Prosecutor’s Office to take urgent measures to identify and locate the perpetrators.