PRISTINA, 02.11.2017- Update, 18:50 – Photo reporter Blerim Uka was released after more than five hours kept in a police station. Uka said police searched his camera to see if he took a picture of the judge who was leading the “Kumanovo” case.
Association of Journalists of Kosovo condemns the arrest of our colleague and AJK’s member, Blerim Uka in Skopje, Macedonia. AJK was informed that Uka was arrested on Thursday while he was reporting on the so-called Kumanovo trial. AJK has learned that Uka was priory accredited to cover this trial and the arrest happened outside the court.
AJK asks from Macedonian authorities to release immediately Blerim Uka which would show that they are not obstructive in the work of journalists and violators of media freedom.
AJK is making attempts to contact Kosovo embassy to Macedonia as well as with Macedonian authorities. Also, AJK is seeking help from Association of Journalist of Macedonia.
Association is hoping for quick clarification of this situation and believes for quick release of our colleague Blerim Uka.