The FOL Movement held its end-of-year ceremony, during which it awarded the Citizen Courage Prize to activists Flutura Kusari, Ehat Miftaraj, Eugen Cakolli, Agon Maliqi, Xhemajl Rexha, and Albert Krasniqi, in recognition of their commitment to defending democracy, freedom, and institutional integrity.
During the ceremony, FOL emphasized that the award recipients “raised their voices at moments when democracy, freedom, and institutional integrity were under threat,” demonstrating that citizen courage remains the most powerful force protecting society.
Call for Courageous Civic Voices
The Executive Director of FOL, Mexhide Demolli-Nimani, stated that society today needs courageous activists more than ever.
“In a society where defending democratic values requires more than understanding—it requires courage—activists are the voice that refuses to allow silence to become the norm,” she said.
Demolli-Nimani added that in an environment where freedom of expression and institutional integrity are frequently challenged, committed individuals are those who keep the light of accountability alive, despite pressures and attacks.
Defending the Public Interest
FOL Advisory Board member Luljeta Plakolli-Kasumi also highlighted the importance of civic engagement.
“Thank you for choosing to speak up and for refusing indifference. It is precisely those who do not remain silent who keep the public interest alive,” she stated.
Profiles of the Award Recipients
According to FOL:
- Flutura Kusari has been consistently engaged in defending freedom of expression and media freedom, advocating for stronger protection of journalists and opposing hostile rhetoric against them. She also opposed the Independent Media Commission Law, which was later struck down by the Constitutional Court, and remains one of the most frequently targeted women activists due to her advocacy.
- Ehat Miftaraj has played a key role in promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector, exposing constitutional violations, corrupt practices, and human rights abuses, often facing sustained attacks for his public positions.
- Eugen Cakolli was recognized for his efforts in protecting electoral integrity and democratic institutional functioning, raising concerns over election management, the limits of caretaker governments, and institutional deadlock in the Assembly, despite ongoing pressure and criticism.
- Xhemajl Rexha, Chairman of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, has worked throughout the year to protect journalists’ safety and oppose smear campaigns against the media. He has been outspoken against the IMC Law and political control over RTK, has faced death threats, and in 2025 was elected to the Governing Board of the European Federation of Journalists.
- Albert Krasniqi was acknowledged for his continued engagement in upholding constitutional order, safeguarding electoral integrity, and promoting fair political competition, particularly by addressing campaign finance violations.
- Agon Maliqi was praised for challenging attempts to instrumentalize security crises and tensions with Serbia to suppress critical thinking, deconstructing populist and militaristic narratives and highlighting their negative consequences for democracy and Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic future.
A Clear Message
The FOL Movement underlined that the Citizen Courage Prize sends a clear message: society depends on brave voices that defend democratic values and the public interest, even under pressure.
