Report UN says Kosovo politicians tried to intimidate journalists

Periskopi

22 April 2024, 22:29(2 years ago)

The State Department for Human Rights has released the latest report for 2023 on the World Rights Practices of Nations. Serious restrictions on freedom of speech and of media, including threats or violence against journalists, and gender-based violence, are mentioned only some of the problems that continue [...]

The State Department for Human Rights has released the latest report for 2023 on the World Rights Practices of Nations.

Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media, including threats or violence against journalists, and gender-based violence, are mentioned only some of the problems Kosovo continues to face, according to the US State Department's 2023 report on human rights in the world.

There have been numerous reports in Kosovo during the past year that politicians have tried to intimidate the media, writes Periscopi.

But not only, the report says religious groups also tried to intimidate media representatives as well as using violence against journalists.

THE PRAY OF HOPE AND MEDIA LIRIA

Although the constitution and Kosovo laws guarantee freedom of expression, including press and other media employees, there were reliable reports that some public officials, politicians, businesses and elements of the crime world and even religious groups tried to intimidate media representatives and used violence or threats against journalists. The Journalists' Association (AJK) reported that it became the very target of attacks when it came to the defense of journalists and media. The association reported that government officials, including the prime minister and leaders of the ruling party, engaged in campaigns to undermine public confidence in the media. With nearly 60 cases of attacks reported during the year, journalists indicated that because of pressure from politicians and criminal groups, they often switched to self-consensing their reporting.

The attacks on journalists during tensions in northern Kosovo in the months of May and June damaged equipment, burned vehicles and physically injured workers of media groups on the ground. Journalists said some of these attacks were directed and approved by political leaders in the country's north, though they have denied any possible involvement. / Voice of America.