Other threats to journalists, Blerta Foniqi Kabashi, Prishtinë, 28.07.2025
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) is shocked by the unprecedented, personal, and highly dangerous attack by Vetëvendosje party MP Fitore Pacolli against RTK journalist Blerta Foniqi-Kabashi.
MP Pacolli targeted the public broadcaster’s journalist just hours after a joint interview on the program “Info Plus,” during which Foniqi-Kabashi asked questions about current developments, including reports regarding potential financial benefits received by Pacolli’s family members from the state budget.
Pacolli claimed that the journalist “had a mission commissioned from abroad” and that “her questions were orchestrated.”
This form of public vilification of a journalist by an elected official is extremely dangerous and encourages thousands of others to continue such attacks.
AJK calls on MP Pacolli and all other officials to refrain from making inflammatory statements or comments against journalists. Instead, they should offer transparency by openly responding to all questions of public interest.
| Reporter Details | Other threats to journalists, Blerta Foniqi Kabashi, Prishtinë, 28.07.2025 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) is shocked by the unprecedented, personal, and highly dangerous attack by Vetëvendosje party MP Fitore Pacolli against RTK journalist Blerta Foniqi-Kabashi. MP Pacolli targeted the public broadcaster’s journalist just hours after a joint interview on the program “Info Plus,” during which Foniqi-Kabashi asked questions about current developments, including reports regarding potential financial benefits received by Pacolli’s family members from the state budget. Pacolli claimed that the journalist “had a mission commissioned from abroad” and that “her questions were orchestrated.” |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | Blerta Foniqi Kabashi |
| Gender | Female |
| Date | 28.7.2025 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Other threats to journalists |
| From who | Aggressive public declarations by state officials |
| The Offender / Suspect | Fitore Pacolli |
| Type of media | Radio and Television |
| Media Name | RTK |
| Source | RTK |
| 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 | This form of public vilification of a journalist by an elected official is extremely dangerous and encourages thousands of others to continue such attacks. AJK calls on MP Pacolli and all other officials to refrain from making inflammatory statements or comments against journalists. Instead, they should offer transparency by openly responding to all questions of public interest. |