Pristina, June 19, 2023 – Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj visited the Association of Journalists of Kosovo and met the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Xhemajl Rexha and discussed the recent attacks and threats against journalists in the north of the country.

The Ombudsperson expressed his concern about attacks and threats against journalists, describing them as attacks on freedom of expression and freedom of the media, therefore he added that any attack or threat against journalists is unacceptable and violates basic human rights and freedoms.

Mr. Rexha emphasized that during the last few weeks, 40 cases of attacks against journalists and other media workers who reported from the north of the country have been registered, in which case the lives and health of journalists have been endangered, where other material damage to vehicles and equipment has also been registered. He further emphasized that the journalists who have reported from these municipalities have not been guaranteed security for their work, neither by the local bodies nor by the international ones.

He also added that journalists and mediums are not warned and informed by the security bodies about the dangers they may face while reporting from these municipalities.

The Ombudsperson emphasized that the prerequisite for the existence of freedom of expression is the guarantee of the safety of journalists from threats and attacks against them, as well as the non-obstacle in the free exercise of the profession, therefore this guarantee constitutes a fundamental basis for the development of democracy and the realization of human rights in the country.

The Ombudsperson recalls that it is a special obligation of the state to efficiently guarantee the freedom of the media and the safety of journalists, obligations of this nature should aim at creating a safe environment for the work of journalists. The Ombudsperson asks the Government of the Republic of Kosovo to prioritize the safety of journalists in its work.