May 3rd Press Freedom Day, LDK: Kurti government attacked and denigrated media for four years

World Press Freedom Day finds Kosovo with extremely disturbing results as regards freedom of the fourth media-power.

Kosovo, according to the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders(RSF), has marked the biggest decline in its last 15 years, ranking 99th out of 180 estimated countries -- the worst in the region, an alarming indicator of the deterioration of the media environment in the country.

Such reports, the LDK says they are clear evidence of the systematic deterioration of the state of media freedom.

The Democratic League of Kosovo estimates that this regress, directly relates to Kurti Government's approach to the media, as for four years of governance, this power has attacked journalists, denigrated critical media, and attempted to silence free speech, broadcasts Periscope.

The freedom of the media is the cornerstone of a functional democracy; when journalists are censorship or afraid, citizens are deprived of the right to be informed, while abuses of power remain in shadow. Democracy cannot survive where press freedom is lacking, so this drastic decline in the international index is an alarm for the state of democracy in the country”, said further in the LDK response.

The Democratic League of Kosovo, it says it will continue to voice against any divisive rhetoric or arbitrary action that violates independent media.

“We are determined to act as freedom of expression Guardians, we will work hard to have full respect for free media, independent institutions and democratic accountability in future governance. The LDK is grateful and grateful for the dedication of journalists who, despite the pressures of threats, continue steadfast to keep the public informed, investigate and tell the truth”.