AGK releases the report: Number of attacks on journalists in Kosovo increased during 2023

This disturbing trend was disclosed during the presentation of the annual report “Narcotics of the level of media freedom and security of journalists and the Journalists' Security Index in the Western Balkans”.

Kosovo Journalists' Association Executive Director (AGK), Getoarbe Mulliqi, noted a significant increase in attacks on journalists compared to last year.

She added that journalists reporting from northern Kosovo municipalities are particularly endangered, facing life threats, verbal and physical attacks, as well as personal and professional property damage.

Mulqi also noted domestic problems in the media, including frequent sexual harassment and political interference.

One of the biggest challenges during 2023 has been frequent sexual harassment,” she said.

The legal expert, Ylli Zekij, stressed that the protection of journalists has been difficult by the lack of division of subjects according to the profession in the judicial system.

He stressed the need for improving legal protection for journalists through clearer division of cases involving attacks and threats against them.

On the other hand, investigators Leonita Morina spoke of increasing cases of strategic indictments against journalists, known as the SLAPP.

These indictments are aimed at intimidating journalists, and in the date the AGK base is recorded on 35 such cases,” said Morina.

In addition to threats and physical attacks, journalists are also facing unstable contracts and low wages, creating a difficult environment for exercising their profession.