Other threats to journalists, Lirim Mehmetaj, Prishtinë, 12.06.2025
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses deep concern over a manipulated video targeting journalist Lirim Mehmetaj during a recent television appearance. In the video, a quote Mehmetaj read aloud, originally written by a third party on Facebook, is misleadingly presented as his own personal statement.
The footage is edited to give the false impression that Mehmetaj insulted supporters of the Vetëvendosje political party. This fabricated clip has been widely circulated across numerous Facebook pages aligned with Vetëvendosje and Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government, triggering thousands of hostile and inflammatory comments.
AJK strongly condemns this form of disinformation, which represents a dangerous and unacceptable escalation in attacks against journalists. Such content endangers Mehmetaj’s physical safety and contributes to a climate of fear and hostility toward the press.
AJK urges Mehmetaj to report the offending Facebook pages to the Kosovo Police and calls on Vetëvendosje and its supporters to refrain from engaging in or endorsing smear campaigns that aim to intimidate and discredit journalists in Kosovo.
| Reporter Details | Other threats to journalists, Lirim Mehmetaj, Prishtinë, 12.06.2025 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses deep concern over a manipulated video targeting journalist Lirim Mehmetaj during a recent television appearance. In the video, a quote Mehmetaj read aloud, originally written by a third party on Facebook, is misleadingly presented as his own personal statement. The footage is edited to give the false impression that Mehmetaj insulted supporters of the Vetëvendosje political party. This fabricated clip has been widely circulated across numerous Facebook pages aligned with Vetëvendosje and Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s government, triggering thousands of hostile and inflammatory comments. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | Lirim Mehmetaj |
| Gender | Male |
| Date | 12.6.2025 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Other threats to journalists |
| From who | To journalists by citizens |
| The Offender / Suspect | |
| 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 strongly condemns this form of disinformation, which represents a dangerous and unacceptable escalation in attacks against journalists. Such content endangers Mehmetaj’s physical safety and contributes to a climate of fear and hostility toward the press. AJK urges Mehmetaj to report the offending Facebook pages to the Kosovo Police and calls on Vetëvendosje and its supporters to refrain from engaging in or endorsing smear campaigns that aim to intimidate and discredit journalists in Kosovo. |