Obstructing the work of journalists, Prishtinë, 12.05.2023

Translations: Pristina 

• Case info

• Personal info

• Regional center

  Pristina
• Who was attacked?

  Group
• Group members' names and surnames

  Kosovë Gjoci dhe Besarta Hoti

• Media outlet

• Name of the media outlet

  EuroNews Albania dhe Periskopi
• Type of media platform

  Online Media
  
• Source of information about the incident

  Facebook

• Incident Data

• Date of incident

  12.05.2023
• City

  Prishtine
• Perpetrator(s)

  Not known
• Attacked by

  Security staff or agencie(s)
  
• Type of incident

  Other threats to journalists

• Action by the authorities

• Action taken by the journalists' association

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

  Yes

Journalists Kosovë Gjoci of Euronews Albania and Besarta Hoti of the Periskopi portal have been hindered in their jobs by the close defense of Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, and Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli.

Gjoci wrote on Facebook that two members of the defense blocked him from working: one pushed him and crushed his equipment, while the other threatened him with the words “look me in my eyes and remember me”. According to journalist Gjoci, Prime Minister Kurti witnessed the incident but did not react, making the situation much more dangerous.

Similarly, a few days ago, Perikopi’s journalist Besarta Hoti was prevented in her attempts to question Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo condemns these actions and urges the government and its ministries to ensure basic working conditions for journalists who report and seek answers from members of the executive.