Attack on offices of KoSSev news portal condemned
(RTK2&TV21)
Another attack against media has also been marked on Thursday. Unidentified persons have fired shots at the offices of KoSSev news portal in northern part of Mitrovica/Mitrovicë.
Association of Kosovo Journalists (AKJ) strongly condemned this act and it considers that such an action is direct interference on journalists’ work, independent journalism and freedom of speech.
AKJ calls on rule of law bodies to arrest perpetrators and bring them to law, while it calls on competent institutional representatives to take all measures for ensuring a favorable environment for journalists’ work, to guarantee freedom of speech and free exercise of journalist’s profession.
The attack was also condemned by the Association of Serbian Journalists, Association of Journalists of Kosovo-Metohija (DNKiM), the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, local authorities in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë north, Office of the Serbian Director for Kosovo, Director of Mitrovica/Mitrovicë north Administrative Office, and Kosovo Assembly MP Nenad Rasic, RTK2 reported.
Campaign against publicist Veton Surroi to be investigated
(TV1&KTV)
Prosecution has launched investigations into verbal attacks against the publicist Veton Surroi. Chief State Prosecutor, Aleksandër Lumezi, has been closely monitoring the threatening comments that were made over the recent days through Facebook social network, TV21 reported.
Considering that these comments contain criminal offence elements, Chief Prosecutor Lumezi has authorized Prishtinë/Pristina Basic Court to launch investigations against persons that are carrying out the threatening campaign against Mr. Surroi.
In the meantime, KTV reported that Sami Lushtaku’s son, Mërgim Lushtaku, has reacted against KOHA Group in his Facebook account, as he said, for the campaign against Drenica Group and his father and family in particular.
Lushtaku wrote in his Facebook account that KOHA Group has media-criminal goals and it wants to stain the values that brought freedom and independence in Kosovo. He also accused publicist and writer Veton Surroi, thus joining the threatening campaign that has been launched against his personality.
He also libeled journalist Vehbi Kajtazi for his reports in Koha Ditore newspaper, which were supported by facts and arguments of competent institutions.
On the other hand, KOHA Group director Flaka Surroi responded to the unrestrained accusations and threats that were recently addressed against this company.
In a post on her Facebook account, Flaka Surroi underlined that KOHA will not stop irrespective to these threats.
William Walker against Special Court establishment
(TV21)
Former Head of the OSCE during the conflict in Kosovo, Ambassador William Walker, does not consider establishment of Special Court for Kosovo necessary.
In an interview with TV21 in New York, Walker said that he was against this body, which, according to him, only demonstrates the failure of international community in justice system of Kosovo.
War veterans to protest against Special Court
(TV21)
KLA war organizations have called a large-scale protest for 17 June in Prishtinë/Pristina against, as they say, Special Court and injustice against the former KLA fighters.
The decision was taken in a joint meeting of veterans held on Thursday afternoon, following discussions and analysis of the general situation in Kosovo.
ICRC to access and monitor detention and correctional service centres
(TV21)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will monitor Kosovo detention and correctional service centres.
For this matter, Kosovo ministry of justice and ministry of interior signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICRC.
This Committee will assess conditions in prisons and respect of human rights in line with the highest standards.
Swedish Government helps Agency on Gender Equality with EUR 1.5 million
(TV21)
Swedish Government has allocated around EUR 1.5 million for the Kosovo Agency on Gender Equality. According to the Chief Executive Officer of this Agency, Edona Hajrullahu, this agreement with the Swedish Government will be implemented for the five upcoming years.
This fund will help drafting public policies for people with gender sensitiveness and it will promote equal participation of women and men in all spheres of life.
