Cases

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses deep concern over a new wave of attacks targeting the media and journalists, initiated by officials from the country’s largest political party, Vetëvendosje.

Members of parliament and other party officials, including Adnan Rrustemi, Mefail Bajqinovci, and Dejona Mihali, have written and shared content alleging that journalists are involved in “cash-in-bags” payments.

Such defamatory campaigns by representatives of the ruling party are part of an ongoing pattern of hostility by Vetëvendosje and the Kurti Government toward the media in Kosovo. These actions pose a serious threat to media freedom and the safety of journalists.

The recent escalation appears to be a reaction to statements made during a television program produced by BIRN Kosovo. The program discussed how “disinformation narratives about the Banjska case were also spread in Kosovo television studios” and included claims that “in an operation, money in bags from BIA structures was seized in northern Mitrovica while being handed to an Albanian agent, who was then supposed to deliver it to a journalist.”

AJK considers such broad and generalized claims about “online media” and “television studios” to be irresponsible.

Public accusations must be supported by clear facts, evidence, and specific names.

AJK calls on all parties to refrain from rhetoric that seriously undermines the media environment and threatens freedom of expression.

Reporter Details	Attacks on media outlets and organizations, Prishtinë, 23.03.2026
Case description	The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) expresses deep concern over a new wave of attacks targeting the media and journalists, initiated by officials from the country’s largest political party, Vetëvendosje. Members of parliament and other party officials, including Adnan Rrustemi, Mefail Bajqinovci, and Dejona Mihali, have written and shared content alleging that journalists are involved in “cash-in-bags” payments. Such defamatory campaigns by representatives of the ruling party are part of an ongoing pattern of hostility by Vetëvendosje and the Kurti Government toward the media in Kosovo. These actions pose a serious threat to media freedom and the safety of journalists. The recent escalation appears to be a reaction to statements made during a television program produced by BIRN Kosovo. The program discussed how “disinformation narratives about the Banjska case were also spread in Kosovo television studios” and included claims that “in an operation, money in bags from BIA structures was seized in northern Mitrovica while being handed to an Albanian agent, who was then supposed to deliver it to a journalist.”
State	Kosovo
Name and Surname
Gender	Group
Date	23.3.2026
City	Prishtinë
Type of Incident	Attacks on media outlets and organizations
From who	By public officials
The Offender / Suspect	Zyrtarë të partisë, Vetëvendosje, duke përfshirë Adnan Rrustemin, Mefail Bajqinovcin dhe Dejona Mihalin
Type of media	Radio and Television
Media Name
Source	Facebook
Public Prosecutor
Judiciary
Judiciary Status
Legal Closure
Has the Journalist Association been notified?
Has the incident been reported to the authorities?
Has the incident been reported to the XXX?
Associations Respond	AJK considers such broad and generalized claims about “online media” and “television studios” to be irresponsible. Public accusations must be supported by clear facts, evidence, and specific names. AJK calls on all parties to refrain from rhetoric that seriously undermines the media environment and threatens freedom of expression.