Unacceptable language against media, Prishtinë, 18.09.2023
Besnik Bislimi, the Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister in charge of negotiations with Serbia, has once again attacked Kosovo's media, claiming rapidly that they are "financed by Serbia."
Asked about the harms he had previously stated in an interview with the Serbian newspaper "Danas" during a press conference with Prime Minister Kurti, Bislmi made unacceptable accusations.
During the conference, Bislimi stated that "the word 'concession' has been intentionally used by Kosovo media that is funded by Serbia to give it a negative connotation."
The AJK strongly condemns this unacceptable language coming from the second-highest-ranking government official and emphasizes that when such language comes from the highest levels of authority, it significantly jeopardizes the physical and psychological safety of Kosovo's journalists.
The Kurti government must stop attacking the Kosovo media and provide them the freedom to carry out their important duties, which include holding people in position of authority accountable.
| Reporter Details | Unacceptable language against media, Prishtinë, 18.09.2023 |
|---|---|
| Case description | Besnik Bislimi, the Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister in charge of negotiations with Serbia, has once again attacked Kosovo's media, claiming rapidly that they are "financed by Serbia." Asked about the harms he had previously stated in an interview with the Serbian newspaper "Danas" during a press conference with Prime Minister Kurti, Bislmi made unacceptable accusations. During the conference, Bislimi stated that "the word 'concession' has been intentionally used by Kosovo media that is funded by Serbia to give it a negative connotation." |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | |
| Gender | Group |
| Date | 18.9.2023 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Attacks on media outlets and organizations |
| From who | Aggressive public declarations by state officials |
| The Offender / Suspect | Besnik Bislimi |
| Type of media | Radio and Television |
| Media Name | |
| Source | Konference per medie |
| 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 | The AJK strongly condemns this unacceptable language coming from the second-highest-ranking government official and emphasizes that when such language comes from the highest levels of authority, it significantly jeopardizes the physical and psychological safety of Kosovo's journalists. The Kurti government must stop attacking the Kosovo media and provide them the freedom to carry out their important duties, which include holding people in position of authority accountable. |