OSCE media freedom representative condemns death threats against journalists in Prishtinë/Priština

VIENNA, 22 March 2018 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed his concern over recent death threats against journalists of the portal Insajderi.

On 20 March, Insajderi journalists received death threats following an article related to the trade of meat products from Belgium. According to media reports, the owner of a local company mentioned in the article threatened them over the phone. The threats were recorded and published by the journalists.

“I strongly condemn the threats against media professionals. It is unacceptable that journalists are targets for their investigative reporting. This is at the same time a direct attack on freedom of expression and citizens’ right to be informed on issues of public interest,” Désir said.

“A safe working environment is a prerequisite for freedom of the media,” Désir said, recalling the increased number of attacks against journalists of the same online portal, and the physical assault against journalist Parim Olluri in August last year.

The Representative’s previous statement is available at www.osce.org/fom/335921.

Désir also welcomed the public condemnation of the threats by the Kosovo Journalists Association (KJA).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.