One of the members of the Prime minister’s security team yesterday obstructed journalist Blerta Dalloshi – Berisha and pushed her while she was performing her duties.
In a video posted on Blerta Dalloshi – Berisha’s Facebook profile, one of the members of the prime minister’s security team can be seen grabbing her microphone and pushing her hand as she tries to ask the Prime Minister Albin Kurti a question.
“This is the second time I have been attacked and prevented while performing my professional duties,” Blerta Dalloshi – Berisha wrote on her Facebook profile, “however today’s event surpasses everything else.” She claims that in addition to grabbing her microphone and pushing her, they shut down their camera. “My right hand is still hurting,” Dalloshi Berisha said.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) finds such behavior by the close defense of Prime Minister Albin Kurti towards TV Klan journalist Blerta Dalloshi Berisha unacceptable. Xhemajl Rexha, chairman of AJK claims that the Association is appalled by the way the close-protection, member of Kosovo Police has assaulted journalist. “We demand a swift investigation by the Police, and a clear condemnation of this behavior by the Prime Minister. Journalists should be allowed to ask all the necessary questions that are of public interest”, Rexha said.
The SafeJournalists network, which represents media professionals in the Western Balkans, joins its member AJK in strongly condemning this serious attack towards journalist Blerta Dalloshi – Berisha The Network calls on relevant institutions in Kosovo, including PM’s office to address this case urgently and condemn such behavior towards journalists.
The SafeJournalists network will closely monitor the developments in regard to this case and will inform relevant national and international stakeholders.
Each attack on journalists is an attack on public interest, democracy and the rights of all citizens.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 29.12.2023
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
