AGK for DASH report: Journalists in Kosovo face pressure, denigration attacks

In AGK response, the findings of the report on media work are specified, where pressures and denigration attacks are highlighted. The report even mentions the prime minister as one who promoted denigrative language to journalists.

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DAS report: Journalists in Kosovo face pressure, denigration attacks

The U.S. State Department has published its 2024 Human Rights Report on Kosovo. In the play on media freedom and expression, the report records the findings of the Association of Kosovo Journalists (AGK), in terms of difficulties in obtaining information from public institutions, as well as pressures on journalists and media, through attacks by the Government of Kosovo.

“The Kosovo Journalists' Association (AGK) has reported that it was the target of online denigration campaigns when it protected journalists and media. The AGK reported that government officials, including the prime minister and members of the ruling political party, engaged in deignive campaigns to undermine public confidence in the media. AGK reports that phototypes taken in threats to journalists and to distribute dezinforms to discredit the media” have been used, the report says.

The report cites that some government officials, political parties, businesses linked to public institutions, religious groups and disgruntled individuals have exerted pressure on media owners, editors and journalists not to publish certain material.

The report also discusses the Law on Independent Media Commission, adopted on July 11th 2024, which AGK, Ombudsperson and civil society organisations have voiced concerns about the impact on the institution's independence. The law was under consideration at the Constitutional Court at the time of the report's drafting. It was declared unconstitutional in mid - 2025.