Obstructing the work of journalists, Prishtinë, 29.11.2023
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo is extremely concerned about the events that occurred during today's protest by the Social Democratic Party of Kosovo (PSD) against Ekaterina Trendafilova - President of the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office, where pepper spray and tear gas were used against journalists.
During the protest, journalists were obstructed by the Kosovo Police, who used pepper spray and tear gas against them. As a consequence of these actions, our colleagues Elmedina Ballazhi, Rrahman Osmani, Hasan Hoti, and others, were attacked, and Pleurat Salihu also fainted.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo finds this behavior of the Kosovo Police unacceptable and condemns it. Hence, we urge the police to respect journalists' work and not obstruct them in carrying out their duties. In the meantime, we ask our colleagues reporting from the field to carry their work IDs and wear Press vests to identify themselves as media workers.
| Reporter Details | Obstructing the work of journalists, Prishtinë, 29.11.2023 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo is extremely concerned about the events that occurred during today's protest by the Social Democratic Party of Kosovo (PSD) against Ekaterina Trendafilova - President of the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor's Office, where pepper spray and tear gas were used against journalists. During the protest, journalists were obstructed by the Kosovo Police, who used pepper spray and tear gas against them. As a consequence of these actions, our colleagues Elmedina Ballazhi, Rrahman Osmani, Hasan Hoti, and others, were attacked, and Pleurat Salihu also fainted. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | Elemdina Ballazhi, Pleurat Salihu, Hasan Hoti, Rrahman Osmani |
| Gender | Group |
| Date | 29.11.2023 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Actual attacks on journalists |
| From who | By policeman |
| The Offender / Suspect | Policia e Kosoves |
| Type of media | |
| Media Name | |
| Source | Mediet |
| 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 Association of Journalists of Kosovo finds this behavior of the Kosovo Police unacceptable and condemns it. Hence, we urge the police to respect journalists' work and not obstruct them in carrying out their duties. In the meantime, we ask our colleagues reporting from the field to carry their work IDs and wear Press vests to identify themselves as media workers. |