Man threatens BRIN journalists attempting to report on religious dispute   

Location: Kosovo, Kline e Eperme

Date: February 26, 2024

Women Press Freedom stands in firm opposition to the alarming incident that occurred in Kosovo on February 26, 2024, where journalist Adelina Ahmeti and camera operator Jetmir Hoxha of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) were subjected to threats and intimidation. This confrontation took place in the village of Klina e Eperme while the crew was diligently covering a contentious initiative to construct a Catholic church in a predominantly Muslim area. The incident is not an isolated one. It reflects a growing trend of hostility towards journalists in the region, highlighted by the concerning increase in hate speech and threats directed at media workers on social media and in public discourse. As such, we urge the local authorities to take swift and decisive action in investigating this matter and holding the perpetrator accountable. 

LATEST VIOLATIONS

On February 26, 2024, a crew from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) visited the village of Klina e Eperme to report on a proposal to build a Catholic church in the area. The initiative, led by local resident Ndreke Kelmendi, faced opposition from locals who contested the ownership of the proposed construction site and its relevance in a predominantly Muslim village. The news crew, led by reporter Adelina Ahmeti, arranged to interview Kelmendi after gathering opinions on the construction from different residents.

Ahmeti and camera operator Jetmir Hoxha were speaking to Kelmendi in the yard of his home when they were accosted by his brother Mustafe Hasani. Hasani insulted and threatened the BIRN crew, including ominous warnings of potential repercussions. Ahmeti says they were “seriously threatened” by Hassani. “The situation that was created made us feel unsafe in that area because there were no people, citizens or houses nearby,” Ahmeti tells Women Press Freedom.

Ahmeti managed to de-escalate, emphasizing that her training at BIRN had equipped her to handle such interactions. “The situation calmed down when I told him that I am feeling threatened and insulted and that I do not tolerate this situation as my work was being hindered,” says Ahmeti.

The BIRN crew reported the incident to the authorities, leading to the questioning of Hassani by the police. The suspect was released following an initial interview, pending further investigation.

Ahmeti notes that as journalists, they frequently encounter challenges in the field, but this incident marked a first for her. She expresses concerns about the proliferation of hostility towards journalists, evident in social media discourse and public rhetoric in Kosovo. “What I have noticed recently is that the language of hatred towards journalists has spread a lot in social networks and in public,” says Ahmeti. “Different people are calling for us to be killed, beaten, or threatened. I think this violates democracy, our freedom, and correct reporting.”

Women Press Freedom has documented several instances of journalists in Kosovo facing threats and harassment in connection with their work. Earlier this month, KOHA journalist Saranda Ramaj faced attacks after reporting on a property exchange involving the Municipality of Pristina and its mayor. In November 2023,  KIKS Kosova journalists, Ardiana Thaçi Mehmeti and Erjona Gjikolli reported receiving death threats in the aftermath of their investigative report on the singer Eroll Murat.

Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns Mustafe Hasani's threats against Adelina Ahmeti and Jetmir Hoxha, expressing concern at the alarming normalization of hostility towards journalists. We call upon law enforcement to prioritize the investigation and resolution of the case. Media workers must be able to report without facing threats and violence.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.