UNMIK Media Observer, Afternoon Edition, November 5, 2025

Albanian Language Media:

KFOR: Generals discuss security in Kosovo (media)
Five years since arrest of former KLA leaders (media)
Kurti: "Enough with the detention of former KLA leaders” (media)
Krasniqi calls for justice for KLA leaders: No one can rewrite history (media)
Abdixhiku: Government of Unity was rejected, now Government of minority proposed (media)
Cakolli explains deadline for Prime Minister - Designate and possible election dates (media)
EU Office in Kosovo on stabbing of its official in Gjakova: Investigation ongoing, we are shocked (media)

Serbian Language Media:

EU Ambassador to Serbia: Implementation of the Normalization Agreement with Pristina is crucial (KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio, RTS)
Media: EU in Kosovo – We are shocked with news that one EU official was injured in Djakovica (KoSSev)
Local media - a pillar of accurate information in the age of disinformation (KiM radio, Radio Gorazdevac)
Multimedia exhibition on disinformation in Mitrovica North: “Why do we trust it?”(Alternativna.com)
Prince Filip Karadjordjevic appeals for removal of camp in front of Serbian Parliament (N1)
Serbian Parliament debates voter register and special law on General Staff complex (N1)

International:

Impunity prevails on threats and attacks against Kallxo.com journalists over the years (Prishtina Insight)

Humanitarian:

Period poverty and menstrual taboos in the Balkans and Western Europe (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

KFOR: Generals discuss security in Kosovo (media)

KFOR Commander, Major General Ozkan Ulutas, hosted at headquarters the Chief of Staff of NATO’s Rapid Deployment Corps in Italy, Major General Guiseppe Bertoncello. According to KFOR’s announcement, during the meeting the generals exchanged views on key security issues, particularly the current situation in Kosovo and the continued importance of maintaining regional stability. Ulutas reaffirmed KFOR’s unwavering commitment to supporting lasting peace and ensuring a safe environment for all people in Kosovo. “He also expresses appreciation for Italy’s long-standing contribution to KFOR and for the professionalism of the Italian soldiers who serve with dedication in support of the mission,” the statement reads.

Five years since arrest of former KLA leaders (media)

It has been five years since the arrest of the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veselli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi. On the fifth anniversary of their arrest, organisations emerging from the KLA war said that the former leaders are facing “a great injustice,” stressing that they will not give up in the face of what they call a historic wrong. “Five years of injustice, five years in which the heroes of freedom have been kept away from their families and the country they fought for. We do not forget, and we will not surrender in the face of this historic injustice,” the KLA War Veterans’ Organization (OVL-UCK) stated in its reaction.

On November 5, 2020, Hashim Thaci resigned from his post as President of Kosovo after the Specialist Chambers confirmed the indictment against him and three of his former comrades-in-arms. That same day, former Speaker of the Assembly, Kadri Veseli, announced that he would travel to The Hague following confirmation of the indictment.

A day earlier, on November 4, 2020, Jakup Krasniqi had already departed for the Detention Center in The Hague, and on that same day, Rexhep Selimi confirmed he had received notice of the indictment and was also heading to The Hague.

Kurti: "Enough with the detention of former KLA leaders” (media)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the fifth anniversary of the arrest of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi, called once again for their release from pretrial detention in The Hague.

Kurti recalled that on November 5, 2020, shortly after placing flowers at the grave of Astrit Dehari, MP Rexhep Selimi was sent to The Hague prison, where he and the other three leaders remain detained.

He criticized the ongoing justification for denying their release, the alleged “risk of influencing witnesses”, saying that after five years and the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, there is no longer any legal or moral reason to keep them imprisoned.

Kurti emphasized his longstanding opposition to the Special Chambers since 2014 and noted that as prime minister, he has consistently worked for their release, often quietly, “because good work is often done without noise.”

He also published a letter he had sent on September 21, 2022, to the president of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, Ekaterina Trendafilova, requesting conditional release for the defendants. Kurti said he made the letter public now because he believes it is just for them to return home, be with their families, and defend the just and liberating cause of Kosovo’s war in freedom.

Despite his efforts, Kurti said the court’s stance has not changed, but reiterated that Kosovo offers all necessary guarantees for their conditional release.

Krasniqi calls for justice for KLA leaders: No one can rewrite history (media)

The Leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Memli Krasniqi has called for justice for the leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) who have been held in The Hague for five years. “Five years ago, four of the main leaders of the liberation war, Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi, and Rexhep Selimi, were unjustly detained. Five years later, the process continues to drag on, the injustice grows, while the truth we know and live by has yet to receive the verdict it deserves. They went to The Hague with their heads held high, without hiding, without complaining, without asking for privileges. They went as statesmen, as soldiers of freedom, with faith in justice, with the dignity given to them by history, and with the love they gave to Kosovo,” he wrote.

Krasniqi emphasized that Kosovo’s history cannot be rewritten by any court. “It was written with blood, with sacrifice, and with the resilience of a people who never bowed down. For 1,826 days, they and their families have endured suffering with calm, patience, and faith, for the sake of truth and justice. Today, five years later, with gratitude, longing, and pride, Kosovo asks for nothing less than what rightfully belongs to its sons: justice, truth, and freedom for its liberators.”

Abdixhiku: Government of Unity was rejected, now Government of minority proposed (media)

The leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Lumir Abdixhiku stated that his party’s proposal for the creation of a Government of National Unity was rejected, while now, a Minority Government is being proposed. In a press conference Abdixhiku said his idea was based on shared responsibility and state coordination, but he described proposal of Glauk Konjufca as prime minister – designate as a waste fo time.

In a press conference, Abdixhiku said his idea was based on shared responsibility and state coordination, but he described the proposal of Glauk Konjufca as prime minister designate. “At the end of this eight-month political blockade, what is now being presented to Kosovo and its citizens as a ‘solution’ is a Minority Government, supposedly to handle state matters,” Abdixhiku added.

He concluded by rejecting the idea entirely: “In Kosovo, there is no place for a minority government. Since 1989, decisions in Kosovo have always belonged to the majority.”

Cakolli explains deadline for Prime Minister - Designate and possible election dates (media)

Eugen Cakolli from the Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) stated that the newly nominated prime minister-designate has until November 19 to present the government cabinet and governing program to the Assembly and to secure at least 61 votes. “If the vote is not successfully completed by then, on November 20 the President must dissolve the Assembly, paving the way for new elections,” Cakolli wrote.

He added that, according to the Constitution, elections must be held no later than 40 days after their announcement, while the Law on Elections gives the President up to 10 days to declare the election date. “If the Assembly is dissolved on November 20, the realistic options for holding elections are December 21 or December 28,” Cakolli said, noting that December 14 or January 4 are also possible, depending on when the President officially sets the date.

EU Office in Kosovo on stabbing of its official in Gjakova: Investigation ongoing, we are shocked (media)

The European Union Office in Kosovo said it is deeply shocked by the news that one of its officials in Gjakova was stabbed with a knife. Spokesperson Nikola Gaon stated that investigations by the authorities are underway. “We are shocked by this news and wish the victim a fast and full recovery. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are determining the facts. Since this is an active case, we cannot provide further details at this time,” Gaon said.

According to the Kosovo Police, a foreign national sought medical help at the Main Family Health Center in Gjakova after allegedly being stabbed. The incident occurred Tuesday evening, and the victim reportedly had two stab wounds when treated. Following medical advice, the victim was later transferred to the University Clinical Center of Kosovo for further care.

Serbian Language Media

EU Ambassador to Serbia: Implementation of the Normalization Agreement with Pristina is crucial (KiM radio, Kontakt plus radio, RTS)

The EU Ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, stated that the implementation of the Agreement on Normalization of Relations between Belgrade and Pristina from 2023 is crucial for Serbia's progress towards the European Union, reported KiM radio.

The EU expects Belgrade and Pristina to fully implement the Agreement on the Road to Normalization signed last year, said the EU Ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath.

In an interview with RTS, he pointed out that the implementation of this agreement remains one of the key issues in the process of Serbia's accession to the European Union.

"It is important that Serbia and Kosovo implement the Agreement on the Road to Normalization that was signed in 2023", Beckerath said, adding that Serbia's progress will be measured by compliance with the EU's foreign and security policy, as well as by the results of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

Von Beckerath reminded that the European Commission has again recommended the opening of Cluster 3, but that the decision will be made by member states based on the assessment of reforms and progress in key areas, including the rule of law and dialogue with Pristina.

For the fifth year in a row, the European Commission recommends the opening of Cluster 3. The EU Ambassador to Serbia says that the EC states in this report that the technical conditions for its opening have been met.

"Now it is up to the member states to make a decision based on how Serbia implemented reforms in the basics - the rule of law, but also when we talk about compliance with foreign and security policy, dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and energy separation," adds Von Beckerath.

He reiterates that there are no shortcuts to EU membership, but there are no speed limits either.

"I hope that if there is enough political will in Serbia, we will be able to see real progress in the near future," Von Beckerath points out.

Referring to the report on Serbia's progress on the European path, the EU Ambassador to Serbia emphasized that the goal of the report is not to create a list of criticisms.

According to his words, a general image was created that there was a significant slowdown in reforms, as well as that Serbia needs to implement faster and more reforms in various areas.

He also says that the reforms should not be carried out for the sake of Brussels, but to improve the everyday life of citizens.

Media: EU in Kosovo – We are shocked with news that one EU official was injured in Djakovica (KoSSev)

“We are shocked with the news that one EU official was stabbed with a knife in Gjakove/Djakovica”, EU Office in Pristina said, KoSSev portal reported citing Pristina-based Koha. This, as the portal said, confirmed previous news reports that foreign national who was injured last night in Kosovo was in fact an EU official.

KoSSev portal reported that Kosovo police said this morning foreign national sought medical assistance last night at the Health House in Djakovica upon sustaining injuries caused by a sharp device. Some Kosovo Albanian media reported that the injured 49-year-old man was allegedly a member of the EU, under diplomatic immunity.

This information was confirmed today by the EU in Kosovo. Although they did not refer to the name, or provided additional details, the statement said that the EU “is shocked by news that one EU official is stabbed with a knife in Gjakove/Djakovica”.

The EU Office Spokesperson Nikola Goan said the authorities are conducting an investigation. In a brief statement, that Koha cited, it was also said that the investigation was underway and circumstances of the incident being determined.

“Given that this is about an active investigation, at the moment we are not able to provide additional details”, Gaon said, according to Koha.

Local media - a pillar of accurate information in the age of disinformation (KiM radio, Radio Gorazdevac)

The cooperation between Radio Peja, Radio Gorazdevac and the non-governmental organization "Young Volunteers" showed how important local media are in the time of increasing disinformation and manipulation in public space. Through joint projects, information exchange and mutual trust, these three organizations worked to strengthen communication and understanding between communities, reported KiM radio.

Editor-in-Chief of Radio Gorazdevac Darko Dimitrijevic said that such initiatives are important for local information and mutual understanding.

"This is certainly a very interesting project, because local media are extremely important for normal communication in everyday life. And when we have a coalition that includes media in multiple languages, it has a special value. Through this project, we managed to build a system of trust - that the media inform each other, help and cooperate. It is an example of how local media should function," said Dimitrijevic.

Raisa Nurkovic, the representative of the NGO "Young Volunteers'' (Mladi volonteri) from Vitomirica, stated that the cooperation was also of great importance for the young people in the Bosniak community.

"For the first time, as an organization, we participated in this kind of cooperation, and I can say that the experience was very inspiring. We had a great response from young people, we wrote stories about activists who preserve our tradition, culture and Bosnian language. Although we are not media, we reported on events in the community, and the audience was very satisfied. Through this project, young people realized how important local media is and how important it is to distinguish information from disinformation", said Nurkovic.

Radio Peja journalist Dardana Kastrati pointed out that joint reporting brought a new dimension to the work of local newsrooms.

"As Radio Peja, we had the pleasure of being a part of this project. We had the opportunity to report on all the issues that are important for young people - on topics that are current, but also on those that are not sufficiently represented, and should be. The essence was in joint work and cooperation with other partners. Such an approach contributes to better understanding and connecting communities," concluded Kastrati.

Multimedia exhibition on disinformation in Mitrovica North: “Why do we trust it?”(Alternativna.com)

A multimedia exhibition and a workshop “The Glass Room: Edition on Disinformation” dealing with disinformation, digital security and data privacy opened in the European House in Mitrovica North on Tuesday, Alternativna.com portal reported.

It is an internationally recognized interactive exhibition developed by Tactical Tech from Berlin. The exhibition explores the ways how social media and the internet have changed the manner on how we read information and react to them, and includes a series of posters, interactive applications and animations.

The exhibition also touches upon deepfake video technology and its impact on lives and ways we see other people as well as inspire thinking of the following questions - “Will we ever trust video clips again?”, “Should we blame ourselves for not letting phones off our hands?”, “Do we know the right nature of the content we like, support or share”, and many others.

Six advises on how to avoid disinformation on internet were presented and they include:

Recognize your power to make changes. Pose for a moment and ask yourself a question – what is my influence on the internet?
Think twice before you take personality tests. In fact when was the last time that you took the quiz – in which decade are you, what is a perfect holiday for you? There is a chance this is about deliberate attempts, with carefully curated questions to gather data and characterize your personality?
Don’t take the bait. “Bait for click” is often linked with disinformation, but it does not have to be always like that;
Be mindful of untruths;
Seek truth on internet;
End the closed information cycle (informational balloon). Ask the questions instead – Who to get out from a closed informational balloon?

A workshop held by Radio Gorazdevac Editor-in-Chief Darko Dimitrijevic tackling the issue of disinformation accompanied the exhibition. Saying that he works as a journalist for more than 20 years he in particular underlined that over the last few years the information space is filled with toxic narrative, material and fake news.

Following his introductory speech, Dimitrijevic held a training on digital literacy and security, ways of recognizing and reacting to disinformation, personal data protection and developing critical thinking in the digital area. The main message of this event was “Building digitally aware and resilient communities together”.

The project is financed by the European Union in Kosovo, and the exhibition was already held in Pristina, and from Mitrovica North it will move to Podujevo, Gracanica and Djakovica.

Prince Filip Karadjordjevic appeals for removal of camp in front of Serbian Parliament (N1)

Hereditary Prince Filip Karadjordjevic issued a public appeal to Serbian authorities and Belgrade city officials to protect the dignity and historical value of Pioneers’ Park in central Belgrade, which is “a living monument of Serbian statehood, culture and identity”, but has for months been an improvised camp where people have been denied access.

He recalled it was precisely in the area encompassing Pioneers' Park today that the first Serbian Palace was built in 1843 by Prince Aleksandar Karadjordjevic, thus beginning the creation of the state and cultural centre of Serbia. Prince Philip also recalled the historical connection of the three representative buildings that surround the park – the Old Palace, the New Palace and the National Assembly building.

“The Old Palace, built by King Milan I Obrenovic (1881–1884), was the residence of King Peter I Karadjordjevic and King Aleksandar I. The New Palace, today’s building of the Presidency of Serbia, was built as the palace of my great-grandfather, King Aleksandar I Karadjordjevic. The construction of the National Assembly Building, originally the House of People’s Representatives, began in 1907 as a representative building of the Kingdom of Serbia, and the cornerstone was laid by King Peter I”, Prince Filip recalled.

Prince Philip specifically appealed for the removal of the camp that has been in the park since winter and has been “destroying the appearance, value and meaning of this space for months.” “Such a sight is not only a matter of aesthetics or security, but it also insults the memory of history, violates the dignity of state institutions and encourages unnecessary social divisions”, Prince Filip warned.

Serbian Parliament debates voter register and special law on General Staff complex (N1)

Serbian MPs continued their general debate on eight agenda items on Wednesday, including proposed amendments to the Law on the Unified Voter Register and a special law (Lex Specialis) concerning the General Staff complex in Belgrade, N1 reported.

The session, which began on Tuesday, saw the addition of a list of candidates for the appointment of Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) Council members to Wednesday’s agenda under an urgent procedure, following a proposal from the Culture and Information Committee. Opposition MPs are notably absent from the parliamentary chamber.

During Tuesday’s debate, opposition MPs argued that the proposed amendments to the Law on the Unified Voter Register would not improve the electoral process but rather serve, as they said, to cover up electoral fraud by the ruling coalition.

The proposed Lex Specialis for the General Staff complex, submitted by 110 MPs from the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), is seen by the opposition as yet another corrupt deal by the authorities. They contend it would facilitate the American President Donald Trump’s son-in-law’s acquisition of the prime downtown Belgrade location, enabling him to build a hotel and business complex on the site of the building damaged during the 1999 NATO bombing.

International

Impunity prevails on threats and attacks against Kallxo.com journalists over the years (Prishtina Insight)

As the world marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Kallxo.com highlights the growing list of threats against its journalists over the years, many of which have never been investigated.

On November 2, which marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Kallxo.com highlights the threats, attacks, and harassment its team has faced over the years, with many of these incidents unsolved or closed without investigation, exposing the enduring culture of impunity.

In February 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming November 2 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The resolution. It condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers and also urges Member States to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

For over a decade, the Kallxo.com team has faced physical attacks, verbal threats, and online harassment while reporting across Kosovo. Despite repeated calls from media freedom organisations, many of these incidents remain unresolved, with perpetrators rarely held accountable.