AJK Welcomes One-Year Suspended Sentence for Man Who Threatened Journalists in Court
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) welcomes the court decision issued on Wednesday sentencing A.I. to one year in prison after he threatened journalists and trial monitors from Betimi për Drejtësi and Nacionale.
According to a statement from the Basic Court of Gjilan, A.I. was sentenced to one year of imprisonment. The sentence will not be executed if the defendant does not commit another criminal offense within the next two years.
The incident occurred on January 30 during a property dispute hearing in Viti. During the session, A.I. made a gesture simulating an “execution” directed at Nacionale journalist Eriola Cacaj, cameraman Drilon Namani, and Betimi për Drejtësi court monitor Flamur Kabashi.
AJK welcomes the efficiency with which the court handled the case and the priority given to it, expressing hope that similar cases involving threats against journalists will continue to receive swift and serious treatment by the judiciary.
AJK also welcomes the strategy adopted earlier this year by the Kosovo Judicial Council, which prioritizes court cases related to defamation and the safety of journalists and members of civil society.
