Attack on Media and Media Organizations, Prishtina, 12.3.2025
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) strongly condemns the repeated insults and threats made by the member of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Sami Kurteshi, against the media, including a scandalous statement made this Wednesday.
During a question addressed to him by Gazeta Nacionale journalist Besarta Hoti, Kurteshi responded with the words: "You are a criminal media, hired killers."
AGK considers this statement to be irresponsible, unacceptable, and dangerous. Such an unprecedented accusation against a media outlet by a high-ranking official of the ruling party not only undermines press freedom but also endangers the safety of journalists.
AGK calls on the Vetëvendosje Movement to urgently ensure that its representative in the CEC does not obstruct the work of journalists and refrains from using offensive and threatening language against the media. Verbal attacks on journalists are unacceptable and pose a serious threat to media freedom in Kosovo.
| Reporter Details | |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) has strongly condemned the repeated insults and threats made by CEC member Sami Kurteshi against the media, particularly his scandalous statement directed at Gazeta Nacionale, in which he referred to journalists as a "criminal media, hired killers." AGK considers this language to be irresponsible, dangerous, and a serious violation of press freedom, emphasizing that it also threatens the safety of journalists. The organization calls on the Vetëvendosje Movement to intervene and put an end to offensive language and obstacles to media work, ensuring the protection of freedom of expression in Kosovo. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | |
| Gender | |
| Date | 12.3.2025 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Attacks on media outlets and organizations |
| From who | |
| The Offender / Suspect | Sami Kurteshi |
| Type of media | |
| Media Name | |
| 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 | AJK condemns the scandalous, threatening, and inciting language used by CEC member Sami Kurteshi. Verbal attacks on journalists are unacceptable and seriously undermine media freedom in Kosovo. |