The Association of Professional Journalists of Kosovo (APJK) condemned the attack by “hooligan groups” against the conference where a debate would be held on the promotion of the latest Kosovo 2.0 edition. The APJK issued a press release calling on Kosovo Police and other justice bodies, including EULEX, to “reveal the details behind the grave attack on freedom of press and freedom of expression.”
The APJK also called on the Islamic Community of Kosovo to distance itself from the attack, which included members of this community. “The leadership of a shameful attack by a religious preacher is unacceptable and insulting. Imam Burim Dalipi participated in the attack, while some other imams in their sermons on Friday called for violence against the activity that would debate and promote the latest edition of the magazine,” the APJK press release said.
The APJK also called on football clubs and the Pristina basketball club to distance from the “shameful act” that included members of the fan group Plisat. The Ministry of internal affairs also condemns violence exercised towards the activity organized by “Kosovo 2.0”, and it wants to guarantee the public opinion that the human rights in Kosovo will be protected in any condition by Kosovo Police, according to European standards, no matter the race, religion, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
“Respect for the law and media freedom is fundamental in achieving durable peace and effective protection of human rights in Kosovo,” said UNMIK Representative Farid Zarif. He stressed the need for public education against any discriminatory practices in this regard. He also called on rule of law authorities to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to discourage the repetition of such intolerant behaviors.
On Friday evening, a group of protesters gathered in front of the Center for Youth and Sports in Pristina and used violence to stop people from taking place at the presentation of the newspaper. American Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, reacted regarding the violence used during the launch of KOSOVA 2.0 newspaper, as well as Sunday’s attack at the offices of NGO Libertas. “The American Embassy condemns the violence perpetrated by a group of extremists during the launch of the magazine KOSOVA 2.0. Violence and threats do not have space in the democratic modern state, and the United States will always defend and support the freedom of expression of the citizens and the freedom of media,” says the press release.
