Obstructing the work of journalists, Prishtinë, 29.11.2023

AJK •︎ 29/11/2023

Obstructing the work of journalists, Prishtinë, 29.11.2023

Translations: Pristina 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Pristina
  • Who was attacked?
    Group
  • Group members' names and surnames
    Elemdina Ballazhi, Pleurat Salihu, Hasan Hoti, Rrahman Osmani

  • Media outlet

  • Source of information about the incident
    Media

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    29.11.2023
  • City
    Prishtine
  • Attacked by
    Authorities - individuals
  • Type of incident
    Actual attacks on journalists

  • Action by the authorities

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Yes

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo is extremely concerned about the events that occurred during today’s protest by the Social Democratic Party of Kosovo (PSD) against Ekaterina Trendafilova – President of the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, where pepper spray and tear gas were used against journalists.

During the protest, journalists were obstructed by the Kosovo Police, who used pepper spray and tear gas against them. As a consequence of these actions, our colleagues Elmedina Ballazhi, Rrahman Osmani, Hasan Hoti, and others, were attacked, and Pleurat Salihu also fainted.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo finds this behavior of the Kosovo Police unacceptable and condemns it. Hence, we urge the police to respect journalists’ work and not obstruct them in carrying out their duties. In the meantime, we ask our colleagues reporting from the field to carry their work IDs and wear Press vests to identify themselves as media workers.