Attack on the media and media organizations, Prishtina, 7.2.2025

AJK •︎ 07/02/2025

Attack on the media and media organizations, Prishtina, 7.2.2025

Translations: Pristina 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Pristina
  • Who was attacked?
    Group

  • Media outlet

  • Type of media platform
    Radio
    Radio
    Printed Media
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    TV Interview

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    07.02.2025
  • City
    Prishtina
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (convicted)
  • Attacked by
    By public official(s) and/or representative(s) of the executive power
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    Through media outlets (broadcast, print, online)
  • Type of incident
    Threats against media outlets and organizations
  • Type of threat
    Aggressive, harassing or discriminatory statements

  • Action by the authorities

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Unknown
  • What was the reaction of the journalists' association?
    The association reacted publicly

Continuing the four years of governance, the political party Vetëvendosje and its leader, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, have intensified unacceptable attacks on the media and journalists throughout the entire election campaign month for the national elections of February 9.

In an interview with a local television, Prime Minister Kurti stated that “the portals are part of the Bermuda Triangle that want to sink Kosovo.” Almost in all election rallies in different cities, Kurti has used derogatory and aggressive language against the media, journalists, and commentators of television debates.

Journalist teams, including those from Klan Kosova and Nacionale, have been obstructed by Vetëvendosje officials at several election rallies in an attempt to prevent reporting from the field.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) considers such attacks to be unacceptable pressure on the media to do their work during an important phase like the election campaign. The inciting language from the ruling party significantly hampers the ability to report. Vetëvendosje’s boycott of three national television channels also affects the provision of transparency and is an evasion of accountability to an important part of the public.

The media have a legal and public duty to provide their viewers/readers with the promises and programs of all political parties equally during election periods.