The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK), in close cooperation with the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and with support from the Council of Europe and the Community Development Fund (CDF), marked World Press Freedom Day today with the conference “Safeguarding Journalists and Advancing Gender Equality in Media”.
Opening remarks were delivered by the President of AJK, Xhemajl Rexha, Pascale Roussy, Director of the Democratization Department at the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and Mary Ann Hennessy, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Kosovo. They emphasized the urgent need to address threats against journalists and to ensure gender equality in the media landscape.
Rexha expressed deep concern over Kosovo’s alarming drop in the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, where it now ranks 99th. He stated this decline reflects the government’s anti-media policies, culminating in the adoption of the Law on the Independent Media Commission, which was recently declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. Nonetheless, Rexha called for sincere dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders, including state institutions, media organizations, and civil society. He stressed that it is vital to create a safe and independent environment where journalists can practice their profession without fear or threats.
As a committed advocate for the protection of journalists, AJK stands by every journalist who faces threats, obstacles, or attacks. Rexha called for strong commitment to ensuring dignified conditions for journalism, including the protection of journalists’ safety and the provision of institutional support for all those who work to report and inform the public in a fair and independent manner.
Pascale Roussy, Head of the OSCE Democratization Office, stated that the OSCE Mission in Kosovo “reaffirms its commitment to media freedom, journalist safety, and responsible reporting, which is essential for Kosovo’s democracy. Freedom of expression is non-negotiable, and protecting a free press is a shared responsibility.”
Mary Ann Hennessy emphasized that World Press Freedom Day reminds us that a free, safe, and independent media is fundamental to democracy.
“The Council of Europe has set clear standards for protecting media freedom, journalist safety, and advancing gender equality in media. In Kosovo, while there has been progress, challenges remain. Kosovo’s noticeable decline in the RSF Press Freedom Index highlights the need for stronger institutional commitment to protect journalists and support media independence.”
“What matters is that journalists should not have to be heroes to do their job. They deserve full protection—both legal and practical. As we mark this day, let us remember: gender equality in media is not just about representation, but also about how issues are treated and which voices are heard.”
The first panel, moderated by Qëndresa Tershani, focused on shaping equal and inclusive spaces for women journalists. Participants highlighted gender-related challenges in journalism, the leadership roles of women in media, and the need for safer, more inclusive media environments. They also discussed the importance of networking and solidarity among women journalists in advocating for their rights and opportunities.
Panel participants included:
Ardiana Thaçi, journalist, Klan Kosova TV
Agnesa Qorri, freelance journalist
Maria Cheresheva, representative of the Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria
Maša Mileusnić, representative of the Women Journalists’ Network of Serbia
Thaçi reflected on the challenges faced by women journalists in Kosovo, stating: “It’s not easy to be a woman journalist in Kosovo, even less so an investigative journalist. The field is dominated by men who don’t let you move forward. Journalism in Kosovo is becoming a women’s profession—but the burden falls on them, exposing them to greater risk.”
Qorri shared her experience as a freelance journalist, noting: “I’ve often been told that the economy is a topic for men. As freelancers, we face insecurity—online attacks, lack of trust because we don’t represent a specific media outlet, and financial instability.”
Cheresheva spoke about the reality for women in journalism across the region: “The fact that journalism has been ‘feminized’ doesn’t mean it’s feminist. We have many women journalists, but the challenges are enormous—especially for freelancers in environments dominated by politics and business.”
Mileusnić focused on the challenges faced by women journalists in the Balkans: “We face the same challenges—patriarchy, violence, lack of women in decision-making positions. Newsrooms are full of women, but chief editors are men. We must stand together and fight for our rights—that’s the power of our networks.”
The second panel, moderated by AJK Chairman Xhemajl Rexha, explored threats against journalists, the challenges of seeking justice, and the role of legal mechanisms in protecting media professionals. Participants from the justice sector noted progress in addressing journalist-related cases, but also emphasized the need for legal system improvements and stronger institutional support for journalists facing difficulties.
Panel participants included:
Agron Bajrami, State Prosecutor at the Basic and Appeals Prosecution
Leotrim Gashi, Judge at the Basic Court in Mitrovica
Dorentina Thaqi, journalist, TV Dukagjini
Burim Zariqi, journalist, RTV21
Yll Zekaj, legal advisor at AJK
Prosecutor Bajrami emphasized that “The Appellate Prosecution has expedited procedures for handling journalist-related cases, ensuring none remain unresolved beyond the legal 15-day deadline.” He added that when delays occur, the responsible prosecutor must provide explanations.
“This is an issue that demands greater engagement and accountability from the authorities to ensure every case is handled properly and fairly,” Bajrami said.
Judge Gashi mentioned that under the Judicial Council’s strategy, legal priorities and deadlines have been defined for handling journalist cases. Despite the high case load, cases involving harmed journalists are prioritized to send a strong message to perpetrators and ensure transparency in the judiciary.
Thaqi shared her personal experience as part of the group of journalists attacked on June 16, 2023, emphasizing the lack of accountability for the attackers. Although one suspect was interviewed, the case remains unresolved.
Reflecting on the incident, Thaqi said: “One of the worst experiences I’ve had. We haven’t faced attacks since then, but returning to that location was very difficult. I overcame the personal challenge, just as my colleagues did. During several months of daily reporting in the north, we faced verbal abuse and vehicle damage. But that day also involved physical violence. Dealing with the aftermath made me reflect more deeply as a journalist.”
Zariqi described his experience during the May–June 2023 coverage, highlighting the lack of protection from security institutions and the dangers journalists faced. “We were exposed to attacks from various groups and had no protection. On the contrary, we were pelted with stones and insults. Despite the threats, I kept filming, as this was the only evidence I had of the attack against me,” he said.
He added that following the attack, he received encouragement and support from AGK, his employer, as well as the prosecution and judiciary, which prioritized his case. After a two-year legal battle, he succeeded in proving the assault and securing the conviction of the attacker, Dalibor Spasiq, who was sentenced by the Mitrovica Court.
Zekaj emphasized the importance of efficiently handling journalist cases and praised the prosecution’s efforts to prioritize them. “The justice system is now more efficient than before, but it’s not enough for prosecutors to meet legal deadlines. This can still discourage journalists. Also, we’re not just talking about ordinary individuals—waiting 4–5 years for a case investigation is not encouraging. Things get more serious with SLAPP lawsuits, which often have no substance and aim to intimidate through defamation claims,” he stated. Zekaj also urged journalists to report every case of rights violations or attacks and called for more proactive engagement by the Kosovo Police in assessing the seriousness of the threats journalists face daily.
The conference concluded with a call for stronger legal protections, institutional accountability, and systemic reforms, to ensure a safer and more equitable environment for journalists in Kosovo.
AJK remains committed to defending journalists and promoting gender equality in the media sector, while ensuring that freedom of expression is respected as a fundamental right.