Derogratory language against Radio Romano Avazo, Prishtinë, 09.05.2025
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) strongly condemns recent statements made by Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Sylejman Elshani, directed at the Roma-language radio station Romano Avazo, based in Prizren.
In a televised interview, Deputy Minister Elshani questioned the professional qualifications of the journalists at Romano Avazo and cast doubt on the quality of the station’s work. Such statements are unacceptable and appear intended to undermine the efforts of journalists working at this important media outlet.
Romano Avazo is the only 24-hour Roma-language radio station in Kosovo. Through its online presence, it plays a vital role in informing and engaging the Roma community in their native language.
AJK calls on Deputy Minister Elshani to retract his derogatory remarks and to commit to supporting the advancement of Roma journalists and media within Kosovo’s broader media landscape.
AJK also expresses its full support for the dedicated team at Romano Avazo and encourages them to continue their invaluable work, especially given the difficult financial conditions under which they operate.
| Reporter Details | Derogratory language against Radio Romano Avazo, Prishtinë, 09.05.2025 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) strongly condemns recent statements made by Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Sylejman Elshani, directed at the Roma-language radio station Romano Avazo, based in Prizren. In a televised interview, Deputy Minister Elshani questioned the professional qualifications of the journalists at Romano Avazo and cast doubt on the quality of the station’s work. Such statements are unacceptable and appear intended to undermine the efforts of journalists working at this important media outlet. Romano Avazo is the only 24-hour Roma-language radio station in Kosovo. Through its online presence, it plays a vital role in informing and engaging the Roma community in their native language. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | Radio Romano Avazo |
| Gender | Group |
| Date | 9.5.2025 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Threats against media outlets and organizations |
| From who | By public persons |
| The Offender / Suspect | Sylejman Elshani |
| Type of media | Radio and Television |
| Media Name | Radio Romano Avazo |
| Source | ATV |
| 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 | AJK calls on Deputy Minister Elshani to retract his derogatory remarks and to commit to supporting the advancement of Roma journalists and media within Kosovo’s broader media landscape. AJK also expresses its full support for the dedicated team at Romano Avazo and encourages them to continue their invaluable work, especially given the difficult financial conditions under which they operate. |