Rex: The climate of VV power has been against journalists, we seek reflection

AGK Chairman Xhemajl Rexha has stated that for this Kosovo ranking, there are several reasons.

“On behalf of the Board, we are gathered to express our position on the alarming decline of Kosovo in Reporters Without Borders. 24 countries down from last year after Kosovo had dropped 19 seats below. A shocking ranking, the last worst country in the Balkans, and some of the reasons are listed. The controversial KPM law we've rejected from the beginning. The labels of being enemy collaborators, and the same are taking place today. The other element is RTK's lack of independence, journalists' security remains a problem, mentioned in this report, increased SLAPP lawsuits, and unauthorized survey of journalists”, Rexha said.

The AGK chairman has declared further that the VV power climate has been against the media and journalists.

He has expressed readiness for co-operation for these findings to be addressed and why not, some task force will also be formed.

“The AGK recognises this ranking as a result, reflecting what happened last year, the Kosovo government's campaign, led by the media. Their climate is against the media. The absolutely frightening language that has culminated in November-December, with the approach of the campaign, even after that. It's time to reflect as a society, The AGK is interested and called on us to actually get together, if necessary, also forming the task force to address these findings, address media freedom in Kosovo and the security of journalists”, Rexha said further.

Rexha also spoke of attacks by MPs and VV officials against him.

Right after publishing the report and the statement, we have seen a series of attacks on AGK but also on me, which is not new. We're used to it, but we shouldn't get used to it. We do not need to be the target of powerful people by name and surname. We condemn these goals. The VV needs to address the findings, two years ago it was welcomed by the government and the VV, and now it needs to read the report”, he said.

He further commented on the reasons from power that there is freedom of expression in Kosovo. According to him, the ranking in this index is about what else.

We haven't seen anything, in May the report occurred, in July it was approved. The language that was mentioned unacceptable to journalists only escalated. The moment of reflection is for anyone to change that. The VV just has to stop targeting reporters. We are aware that there are freedom of expression, they fight every day for it, what the report points to, and the ranking is so low because of these interventions”, Xhemajl Rexha added. /Periscope/