The Association of Journalists of Kosovo – AJK, strongly condemns the sexist language and the obstruction of duty faced by journalist Qliresa Hasani of the local TV Festina television in Ferizaj, from the KEDS officials during the coverage of the residents’ protest in front of the corporation’s headquarters.
This incident constitutes a serious interference in the journalist’s work and is an attack of discriminatory nature on a gender basis, directly on her professional as well as her personal dignity.
While performing her professional duties, the journalist was not only prevented from reporting on the event, but was also confronted with sexist language by a KEDS official, who inappropriately addressed her with the words: “It is not allowed to film the object of the institution, unless you want to take a picture with me.”
This approach not only violates the basic principles of media freedom, but is also an attempt to humiliate and underestimate the journalist’s profession and contribution to informing the public. AJK asks KEDS to react immediately and take disciplinary measures against the official in question.
Further, it calls on security and justice institutions to guarantee the protection of journalists while performing their duties, ensuring that no one is subject to intimidation or discrimination as a result of their profession.