HRN: MINT decision on Kosovo, direct violation of freedom of expression, media

According to HNR member organisations, MINT's decision is a direct violation of freedom of expression and media, and it is similar in an attempt to control the media and limit freedom of speech, reports the “Law for Justice”.

The statement reportedly suspending Klan Kosovo's license without regular legal process and, based on illegal allegations, creates a dangerous antidemocratic precedent and suppresss fundamental rights such as freedom of expression.

The decision to suspend Klan Kosovo's license from MINT resembles an attempt to control the media and limit freedom of speech. Therefore, we are very concerned about the message conveyed not only to Klan Kosova but to any other media in Kosovo. Free and independent media must do their work ethically and professionally. No government decision has the competence or legal authority to intervene in this fundamental process for the functioning of a democratic society”, the statement said.

Member organisations at the Network for Human Rights (HNR) call on Prime Minister Albin Kurti to immediately cancel MINT's decision and take immediate measures with Minister Roseta Hajdari for these unacceptable actions to basic democratic values.

Declaration: License suspension Klan Kosova

“As a member of the Network for Human Rights (HRN), we are extremely concerned by the recent decision of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Intervention (MINT), the Agency for Registering Kosovo Business (ARBK), to suspend the trade Society's business certificate “Klan Kosova” respectively. KPS, of which is also the public television channel Kosova.

The Ministry of Industry, Intervention and Trade (MINT) has announced on 14 June 2023 that it has presented criminal speculation in the Kosovo Police, the Department of Criminals, against Kosovo and other responsibles from the Agency for Registering Business on allegations of misuse of official office, duty, and misuse of economic authorisations.

The Human Rights Network (HRN) considers this decision a direct violation of freedom of expression and media. The Republic of Kosovo is a democratic state with a constitution guaranteeing human rights and freedoms, including that of freedom of expression and free press. The suspension of Klen Kosovo's license without regular legal process and, based on illegal allegations, creates a dangerous antidemocratic precedent and prints fundamental rights such as freedom of expression.

The decision to suspend Klan Kosovo's license from MINT resembles an effort to control the media and limit freedom of speech. Therefore, we are very concerned about the message conveyed not only to Klan Kosova but to any other media in Kosovo. Free and independent media must do their work ethically and professionally. No government decision has the competence or legal authority to intervene in this fundamental process for the functioning of a democratic society.

The Human Rights Network strongly supports freedom of media and expression, and solidified with all media institutions and journalists who perform an unprecedented daily job by exercising these freedoms.

A democratic society requires full functioning of law and order, and we appreciate every effort to do so. But the suspension of the work of a media by the Ministry of Industry, Intervention and Trade is unconstitutional and violates human rights and democratic principles in Kosovo. We can in no way allow the creation of such frightening and threatening precedents regarding freedom of expression and media freedom. We call on Prime Minister Kurti to immediately annul MINT's decision and to take immediate measures against Minister Roseta Hajdari for these unacceptable actions against fundamental democratic values.

Human Rights Network member organizations (HRN):

Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR KS)

Association of Paraplegics and Paralysis of Kosovo Children HANDICOS

Centre for Equality and Freedom CEL Kosova

Kosovo Institute for Justice (IKD)

Kosovar Centre for Gender Studies (QKSGJ)

New Social Initiative (NSI)

The voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians (VORAE)”.