Journalist Arlinda Sejda has announced her resignation from Kosovo’s Public Broadcaster, RTK, where she had worked for 10 years. “I made this decision in order to protect the fundamental principles on which journalism is based. It comes as a result of my inability to perform my work in line with my professional convictions, ethical standards, and the responsibility I feel toward the public,” Sejda wrote.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses regret over Sejda’s departure from RTK and considers it a confirmation of the institution’s capture by management directly linked to the Government and the ruling political party, Vetëvendosje.
Sejda’s departure, along with the removal of programmes hosted by several journalists and editors, is seen as a result of managerial policies that penalise and target anyone seeking to uphold fundamental journalistic ethics.
RTK has for some time been turned into a propaganda tool for Vetëvendosje through editorial policies that suppress critical voices both within and outside the organisation.
The decline in media freedom in Kosovo, as documented in international reports, is also linked to political and financial control over RTK by the Government of Prime Minister Kurti.
AJK expresses full solidarity with journalist Sejda and with all journalists and editors at the public broadcaster who continue to resist within RTK.
AJK calls on the Government of Kosovo and Vetëvendosje to end political and financial pressure on RTK.
It also urges the RTK Board not to remain indifferent and to hold management accountable, ensuring that journalists are not subjected to pressure or persecution, and that reporting is restored to serving the public interest rather than a political party.