In recent years, the state of press freedom in Kosovo has become increasingly worrying. With mounting pressures from political forces and internal editorial censorship, journalists are facing serious challenges in their ability to report freely and objectively. This decline in press freedom has not gone unnoticed, with Kosovo dropping significantly in global rankings, now positioned at 99th place in the Press Freedom Index.
Press Freedom Under Threat: Journalists Face Intense Pressures
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Kosovo’s journalists shared their concerns regarding the current climate they work in. Marigona Brahimi, a journalist with over eight years of experience, highlighted the stark reality faced by reporters, where balancing truth and the fear of consequences often leads to self-censorship.
“Political pressure from outside forces and even internal censorship from within editorial boards pose significant obstacles to practicing journalism. It is a massive challenge for journalists who strive to report objectively and uphold the truth,” Brahimi noted.
Kosovo Journalists’ Association Raises Alarm Over Deteriorating Media Freedom
The Kosovo Journalists’ Association (AGK) convened a conference to mark World Press Freedom Day, underscoring the growing difficulties journalists encounter. Xhemajl Rexha, the Chairman of AGK, stated that press freedom in Kosovo has significantly worsened in the past two years, as evidenced by national and international reports. Kosovo’s drop to 99th place on the Press Freedom Index is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the media.
According to Rexha, this decline marks a critical moment in Kosovo’s democratic development, with the country’s press freedom deteriorating rapidly despite previous advancements.
Lawyers Demand Legal Reforms for Journalist Protection
Alongside concerns about press freedom, Yll Zekaj, a prominent lawyer, voiced concerns regarding the safety of journalists. He emphasized that the slow legal response to attacks on journalists must be addressed urgently. Zekaj called for enhanced legal protections, noting that any attack on a journalist is an attack on the profession itself, and should therefore be treated as a priority.
“Such cases should be handled with urgency as attacks on journalists are not personal but attacks on the public’s right to a free press,” said Zekaj.
Kosovo’s Justice Institutions Deny Delays in Journalist Protection
In response to these concerns, Kosovo’s justice officials have assured that journalist safety cases are prioritized. Prosecutor Agron Bajrami and Judge Leotrim Gashi affirmed that no case involving journalists goes unaddressed.
However, the question remains whether these statements reflect the reality journalists face in practice, as they continue to deal with rising threats and difficulties in carrying out their work.
International Community Urges Action on Media Freedom
The British Embassy in Kosovo has called on the new government to prioritize media freedom, urging a focus on creating a supportive environment for journalists. This includes drafting a new law for the Independent Media Commission (KPM), which has been criticized for its unconstitutionality and is seen as a key factor contributing to Kosovo’s decline in press freedom rankings.
The report by Reporters Without Borders states that the unconstitutional nature of KPM’s law is directly linked to Kosovo’s drop in the Press Freedom Index, underscoring the need for legal reforms and stronger institutional support for journalists.
A Call for Action
As Kosovo’s press freedom faces unprecedented challenges, the need for institutional support and legal protection for journalists has never been more urgent. With rising concerns over safety, censorship, and the political pressures journalists face, it is crucial for both local and international entities to come together and advocate for meaningful reforms. Only through a collective effort can Kosovo reclaim its place as a nation that respects the fundamental rights of its media and citizens.
