The Association of Journalists of Kosovo is concerned about a series of threatening videos, particularly on the TikTok platform, targeting journalists and media outlets.
The threats were made in relation to the reporting about Faton Hajrizi, who escaped from prison in Kosovo and is said to have been killed in Serbia. Ermal Panduri, host of the “Debat Plus” show on TV Dukagjini, and Vehbi Kajtazi, founder of Paparaci and panelist on Klan Kosova, were targeted in the attacks. Additionally, photographs of Jehona Bajrami from Klan Kosova and Doruntina Bylykbashi from TV Dukagjini were accompanied by insulting and threatening messages.
The videos are titled “Killers of Faton Hajrizi” and they allege that the media and journalists played a role in the events in Serbia that ultimately led to the murder of Hajrizi. The accusations against the media and journalists are not only unfounded, but also pose a serious threat to the safety of the journalists and their families.
AJK calls on journalists to report the individuals and accounts responsible for making threats with the authorities AJK also urges Kosovo Police to engage Cyber Crimes Unit to identify and take action against those responsible for the threats.
AJK expects from law authorities in Kosovo to work with their international partners to identify the perpetrators of threats against journalists, as many of these threats originate from outside the country.