Inciting language against Gazeta Express, Prishtinë, 09.05.2025
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) is concerned about the ongoing incitement against the media by the political party Vetëvendosje.
The AJK strongly condemns the language used by MP Salih Zyba, who shared an article from Radio Free Europe on his Facebook page. The article was fully published by Gazeta Express.
The article discussed the celebrations in Moscow marking the victory over Nazism, and Zyba used it to attack Gazeta Express, writing: "Pro-Russian propaganda in Gazeta Express. Zero criticism of Putin."
Elected MP Fitore Pacolli also shared the same post, writing: "Hello (sic) AJK! Look at what MP Salih Zyba is posting while you're all sleeping!"
These new attacks from the political party Vetëvendosje come at a time when the Reporters Without Borders report has highlighted the significant decline in media freedom in Kosovo, largely due to such attacks.
AJK once again calls on this political party to change its course, which continues to undermine media freedom and freedom of expression in Kosovo.
| Reporter Details | Inciting language against Gazeta Express, Prishtinë, 09.05.2025 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) is concerned about the ongoing incitement against the media by the political party Vetëvendosje. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | |
| Gender | Group |
| Date | 9.5.2025 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Attacks on media outlets and organizations |
| From who | By public persons |
| The Offender / Suspect | Fitore Pacolli, Salih Zyba |
| Type of media | Online |
| Media Name | Gazeta Express |
| 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 | The AJK strongly condemns the language used by MP Salih Zyba, who shared an article from Radio Free Europe on his Facebook page. The article was fully published by Gazeta Express. The article discussed the celebrations in Moscow marking the victory over Nazism, and Zyba used it to attack Gazeta Express, writing: "Pro-Russian propaganda in Gazeta Express. Zero criticism of Putin." Elected MP Fitore Pacolli also shared the same post, writing: "Hello (sic) AJK! Look at what MP Salih Zyba is posting while you're all sleeping!" These new attacks from the political party Vetëvendosje come at a time when the Reporters Without Borders report has highlighted the significant decline in media freedom in Kosovo, largely due to such attacks. AJK once again calls on this political party to change its course, which continues to undermine media freedom and freedom of expression in Kosovo. |