Punitive Measures Against RTK Editors, Prishtina, 12.3.2025
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses deep concern following the confirmation of the punishment of three editors of the Public Broadcaster, RTK, by the Television Director, Rilind Gërvalla.
Jehona Zhitia, Valon Bajrami, and Arton Mulliqi were sanctioned for not airing a report about the Government and Prime Minister Kurti in the late-night news edition. One of the editors stated that the report "did not meet professional standards" and was therefore not broadcast, adding that such decisions have been made before at RTK.
AJK considers this punishment brutal and unacceptable. Editors of the public broadcaster must have full independence in making editorial decisions as they see fit.
Such interference is entirely political and part of the ruling Vetëvendosje party’s ongoing effort to exert total control over RTK. This is being carried out through Director Gërvalla, a former activist and donor of this political party.
AJK encourages all journalists and editors of the Public Broadcaster to continue their work in the public interest, despite obstacles and pressures.
| Reporter Details | |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo expresses deep concern over the punishment of three RTK editors by director Rilind Gërvalla for not airing a report on the Government and Prime Minister Kurti. AJK considers this sanction brutal and unacceptable, viewing it as political interference by the ruling Vetëvendosje party to control RTK. The organization encourages journalists and editors to continue their work despite the pressures. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | |
| Gender | |
| Date | 12.3.2025 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Other threats to journalists |
| From who | By public persons |
| The Offender / Suspect | Rilind Gërvalla |
| Type of media | Radio and Television |
| Media Name | RTK |
| Source | |
| Public Prosecutor | |
| Judiciary | |
| Judiciary Status | |
| Legal Closure | |
| Has the Journalist Association been notified? | Yes |
| Has the incident been reported to the authorities? | |
| Has the incident been reported to the XXX? | |
| Associations Respond | Such interference is entirely political and part of the ruling Vetëvendosje party’s ongoing effort to exert total control over RTK. This is being carried out through Director Gërvalla, a former activist and donor of this political party. AJK encourages journalists and editors to continue their work despite the pressures. |