He called journalists “mercenar”, now Lumir Abdixhiku is caught with AGKU

The LDK through a communique for the media has said media freedom is sacred, but freedom to criticise media is equally sacred.

Kosovo's Democratic League expresses concern over the reaction of the Kosovo Journalists' Association, which instead of seriously dealing with the concern raised on the professional standard and public responsibility in the media, chooses to use political labels and to delegate a publicly expressed approach”, the communique says.

The LDK has said criticism and public debate are an integral part of freedom of expression, so media freedom and freedom of expression do not exclude each other; rather, they co-exist and strengthen each other.

It is unexpected that a professional organisation like AGK uses languages and references to political debate, including electoral percentages. AGK is not a political subject and does not belong to make such assessments. It is also important to note that our criticism has not been to the media as an institution, nor to professional journalists doing their work with integrity every day. Our reaction was, is, and will remain to harmful phenomena within the media that deviate from professional standards and undermine public confidence by promoting slander”, it says in response.

The LDK has said it remains committed to the protection of media freedom and freedom of expression, while at the same time rejecting libel and dezinforms.

We expect that even professional organisations will act with the same standard of responsibility and impartiality in public debate”, the LDK has said.

The Kosovo Journalists' Association has today strongly condemned the accused language of LDK chairman Lumir Abdixhik against the media and journalists in Kosovo.

Abdixhiku in a TV interview last night spoke again about “mercenaries media” saying that “very easily give a slander, without responsibility, only that you increase the bank account from sponsors, various opponents” there.

AGK has said that these claims by Mr. Abdixhiku are a frontal attack against the media, media freedom and expression in Kosovo.

“A language with qualifications such as “mercenare” is irresponsible, unacceptable, very dangerous and could pose problems even in violating the journalists' physical security. It is especially to regret that these statements by Mr. Abdixhik come at the time he is in the opposition, and with the support of 13 %”, AGK said.

They have invited Abdidjik to give up these speculations and if there is evidence to report them to the responsible bodies, as well as to his party's 14 other deputies in the country to contribute to a free media environment.

LDK's full communication:

“AGK reacts harshly to Obadiah: Dangerous and Unacceptable Language