The Association of Kosovo Journalists (AGK) has expressed its deep concern about a new wave of, as it has called, a campaign against the media and journalists launched by officials of the Vetëvendosje Movement
In a reaction from the AGK, it is stated that other MPs and officials of this party, including Adnan Rrustemi, Mefail Bajqinovci and Dejona Mihali, have written and distributed materials that speak of “payments with bags” in relation to journalists.
According to the AGK, such denigrating campaigns by people from the ruling party are a continuation of a hostile policy of Vetëvendosje and the Kurti Government towards the media in Kosovo, and seriously violate media freedom and the safety of journalists.
“This recent statement comes in response to statements in a television show, produced by BIRN Kosovo, where it is discussed how “the disinformation narrative about Banjska was also distributed in the studios of Kosovo televisions?” and “we have anoperation where money in bags belonging to BIA structures was stolen in the north of Mitrovica and handed over to the Albanian agent, who then took it to a journalist”. The AGK considers that such generalizing statements against “online media” and “television studios” are irresponsible. Public accusatory statements must be accompanied by facts, evidence and specific names,” the response states.
