The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses serious concern over the lawsuit filed by Blinera Osmani — lawyer and sister of the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu — against three online media outlets and two journalists in connection with their reporting on how she obtained her law license despite allegedly not fulfilling all legal requirements.
On 18 December 2025, online outlet Nacionale and journalist Oqean Dermaku published an investigative report alleging that lawyer Blinera Osmani was granted a legal practice license even though she lacked the required “Declaration of Unemployment” document. This document, issued by the Employment Agency, serves as proof that a candidate is not employed and is one of the mandatory criteria for becoming a licensed lawyer in Kosovo.
Investigative journalist Dermaku based his reporting on an official confirmation from the Employment Agency, which stated that it had not issued such a declaration to Ms. Osmani. The original report was later republished by Reporteri and Periskopi. The content was also shared on social media by journalists Oqean Dermaku and Berat Buzhala.
Following a careful review of the facts, the content of the lawsuit, and relevant European standards on the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom, the AJK assesses that this lawsuit contains clear elements of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP).
According to the AJK, the lawsuit represents a clear attempt to penalize, intimidate, and discourage media outlets and journalists for their entirely accurate reporting on a matter of significant public interest.
In this case, the AJK believes the lawsuit goes beyond the claimed protection of reputation and instead creates a chilling effect on investigative journalism and critical reporting on issues of public importance.
The AJK will continue to monitor the court proceedings and expresses full confidence in the Basic Court of Pristina. In particular, the Association welcomes the fact that the court requested responses from the defendants by mid-March — less than three months after the lawsuit was filed. According to the AJK, this demonstrates the immediate and meaningful impact of the Kosovo Judicial Council’s Access to Justice Strategy, which prioritizes cases involving attacks on journalists, defamation claims, and SLAPP lawsuits.
The full legal analysis was prepared by Flutura Kusari, a media law expert and pro bono external legal adviser to the Association of Journalists of Kosovo. She is also co-author of the Council of Europe Recommendation against SLAPP lawsuits, adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and a member of the European Commission’s Expert Group against SLAPPs.
Full analysis: https://agk-ks.org/lajmet/analize-ligjore-e-padise-slapp-nga-blinera-osmani-kunder-tri-mediave-dhe-dy-gazetareve/