The Ombudsperson`s press release regarding recent attacks against journalist and Medias

20/07/2012

The Ombudsperson Institution expresses its concern regarding recent attacks against journalist and Media in Kosovo.

Prishtinë, 20 July 2012 – The Ombudsperson Institution considers as unjustified the request of Mitrovica Municipality for removing TV Mitrovica from the premises in which the TV station was carrying out its daily activities and intervention of Kosovo Police in this case in support of Municipal administrative act. The Ombudsperson considers as unacceptable the excessive duration of court proceedings regarding property contest over these premises.
Ownership pretention of the Municipality, escalating into violent intervention in the premises of this TV station without a legal base and court`s decision has affected freedom of Media and freedom of speech.
Also, the Ombudsperson Institution expresses its concern regarding physical attack against journalist Mr. Halil Matoshi, which occurred some days ago in Prishtinë.
The Ombudsperson considers as unacceptable and condemnable acts in a democratic and civilized society obstruction of journalists and Media in performing their mission, as it happened in this case and some other cases as well.