Albanian Language Media: 

• U.S. State Department: Kosovo took credible but inconsistent steps to hold human rights violators accountable (media)
• Kurti highlights success in expanding Kosovo’s diplomatic network (Telegrafi)
• Tahiri: Kosovo in security crisis, crime tied to politics (media)
• Kryeziu responds to Tahiri: Accuses him of spreading falsehoods (media)
• Haziri: Parliamentary majority should not be built through deals and political corruption (media)
• EU Office urges immediate budget transfer to RTK and new funding law (media)
• OSCE welcomes new regulation on election complaints (media)

Serbian Language Media: 

• Ziadeh met Head of Greek office and the new UNDC (Kosovo Online) 
• KFOR: We were not involved in police operation near the village of Vuca, separate patrol was conducted (Kosovo Online)
• SL: Ordered removal of the “Vuk’’ caffe’s garden roof  - "a new attack by the Kurti regime" (KoSSev, KiM radio)
• Student: Our electoral list nearly complete, free of both opposition and ruling party figures (N1)
• More than 70 fires in 12 hours, arrest in Lipljan (KoSSev)

International Media: 

• Kosovo probe links broadcaster’s removal of BIRN shows to businessman’s influence (Balkan Insight)

Albanian Language Media

U.S. State Department: Kosovo took credible but inconsistent steps to hold human rights violators accountable (media)

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) published its latest global Human Rights Report on Tuesday. In the section on Kosovo, it noted that there were no significant changes in the human rights situation during the year. The report stated that the government took credible but inconsistent steps to identify, investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights violations. The summary emphasized that there were no credible reports of major human rights abuses in Kosovo during the reporting period.

Covering the year 2024, the report also mentioned the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK), noting that it was repeatedly targeted by smear campaigns when defending journalists and media outlets. AJK also reported dozens of cases in which government officials, political leaders, judicial staff, business interests, suspected criminals, protesters, and religious groups physically or verbally attacked journalists, damaged their equipment, or carried out cyberattacks against media organizations.

Read the report here: https://tinyurl.com/hneh6sa9

Kurti highlights success in expanding Kosovo’s diplomatic network (Telegrafi)

Kosovo’s caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that Kosovo is currently experiencing the broadest representation and the most extensive diplomatic network in its history. “Kosova today enjoys the widest representation and diplomatic reach in its history. We are proud that during our term we have expanded our diplomatic presence to unprecedented levels, opening a new embassy in Colombia, a new embassy in Malaysia, a mission in Poland and a special mission to the Holy See. These milestones strengthen Kosova’s voice on the global stage and deepen its partnerships around the world,” Kurti wrote on X platform.

Tahiri: Kosovo in security crisis, crime tied to politics (media)

PDK MP Abelard Tahiri warned at a press conference on Tuesday that Kosovo is facing a deep security crisis after five murders occurred in just 48 hours. He blamed the rise in violent crime on criminal gangs allegedly linked to the ruling political party, claiming that the state has failed to protect its citizens.

Tahiri cited specific cases involving Vetevendosje members allegedly tied to drug trafficking and the recent triple murder in Gjilan. He called for a new government to “liberate the state from criminal capture” and pledged that PDK will push for stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession, noting that over 250,000 unlicensed weapons exist in Kosovo.He concluded that this is not just a political issue, but a fight for public safety and Kosovo’s future.

Kryeziu responds to Tahiri: Accuses him of spreading falsehoods (media)

Kosovo government spokesperson Perparim Kryeziu responded to PDK MP Abelard Tahiri’s accusations by accusing him of knowingly participating in a smear campaign against caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti and the government. Kryeziu refuted Tahiri’s claim that a photo linking the government to murder suspect Mefail Shkodra was taken at a state event organized by the Kurti government. He clarified that the event was actually hosted by the Albanian Embassy in Kosovo to mark Albania’s 110th independence anniversary, and noted that Tahiri himself was present at the 2022 event. “When he knowingly and publicly states a falsehood, he loses credibility to say anything else,” Kryeziu wrote on Facebook.

Haziri: Parliamentary majority should not be built through deals and political corruption (media)

Lutfi Haziri, MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), stated that in a previous situation he had willingly offered his vote to help form the Assembly, without setting any conditions. He referred to a moment when Vetevendosje (LVV) claimed to have enough votes to form a government but lacked one vote to elect the Speaker of the Assembly.

When asked whether anyone had contacted him for this vote, Haziri said that wasn't important, but criticized the way the parliamentary majority had been formed, suggesting it implied political corruption. “It doesn’t really matter, but the problem is that the way the majority was formed from the beginning gives the impression of political corruption. The fact that there was no political agreement... I believe the leading party can easily make political agreements with smaller groups, individuals, and MPs, but not through other means,” he told Teve1.

Haziri stressed that parliamentary votes should result from political agreements, not personal-interest deals. “When you give your vote, and then they say ‘we bought this one with a ministry, or a contract, or whatever,’ that’s wrong. The majority should not be secured through such exchanges,” he added.

EU Office urges immediate budget transfer to RTK and new funding law (media)

The Acting Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova, met on Tuesday with the Acting Director General of RTK, Hysen Hundozi. According to a statement from the EU Office, the meeting focused on the urgent need for the transfer of RTK’s budget to ensure the broadcaster can continue its operations. “She emphasized that RTK plays a vital role in providing timely, accurate, and impartial news to all communities in Kosovo. The EU highlights the importance of ensuring sustainable funding for the public broadcaster through a new law on RTK,” the statement reads.

OSCE welcomes new regulation on election complaints (media)

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo, through a social media post, welcomed the adoption of the new regulation on the procedures for submitting and deciding on complaints by the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP). The OSCE stated that once fully implemented, the regulation will enhance transparency and the effectiveness of the entire electoral process.“This development stems from the recommendations of the European Union Election Observation Mission and provides important clarity and coherence for key electoral stakeholders,” the post reads.

Serbian Language Media

Ziadeh met Head of Greek office and the new UNDC (Kosovo Online) 

The head of UNMIK, Caroline Ziadeh, met yesterday with the head of the Greek Liaison Office in Kosovo, Heleni Vakali.

"SRSG met Ms. Heleni Vakali, Head of the Liaison Office of Greece, today. SRSG thanked Ms. Vakali for her support and partnership, as they reflected on regional issues & the importance of advancing dialogue and trust-building among communities in Kosovo and beyond,'' read the UNMIK post on X.

Ziadeh also welcomed the new UNDC in Kosovo, Mr. Stephen O'Malley. 

According to the mission's post on X ''they exchanged views on the UN's continued collective efforts in Kosovo, focusing on building trust, nurturing collaboration & creating opportunities that bring Kosovo's diverse communities closer together'', reported Kosovo Online.

KFOR: We were not involved in police operation near the village of Vuca, separate patrol was conducted (Kosovo Online)

KFOR was not involved in the Kosovo Police operation in the village of Vuca near Leposavic, and the KFOR vehicles present in the area were conducting a separate patrol in coordination with the police, NATO’s mission in Kosovo told Kosovo Online regarding the incident in Vuca, when police opened fire during the identification of Serbs.

“KFOR was not involved in the action. KFOR vehicles were in the area and were carrying out a separate patrol activity, in coordination with the Kosovo Police. Therefore, we refer you to the Kosovo Police for any further comments, also bearing in mind that the specific action falls within the scope of law enforcement, which is outside KFOR’s mandate,” KFOR’s response to Kosovo Online stated.

They added that KFOR periodically participates in coordinated patrols with the Kosovo Police, but that these activities are carried out by both organizations independently and within their respective mandates, in a predetermined area, with the aim of “maximizing presence, efficiency, and effectiveness for the benefit of the local population.”

KFOR reiterated that it continues to carry out its mandate—based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999—to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities in Kosovo and to ensure freedom of movement, at all times and impartially, and that the Mission works in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and EULEX in their roles as security forces.

SL: Ordered removal of the “Vuk’’ caffe’s garden roof  - "a new attack by the Kurti regime" (KoSSev, KiM radio)

Inspectors of the Municipality of North Mitrovica visited the cafe "Vuk" (Wolf) on the promenade in North Mitrovica. It was ordered to remove the roof of the cafe's summer garden - Serbian List announced last night, stating that it was an "attack on Serbian businessmen". The municipality did not announce these allegations until the publication of the article, reported KoSSev. 

According to KoSSev, inspectors visited this cafe last year, demanding the removal of the platform on which the garden is located.

"Just a few days after the warning, a new attack by the regime of Albin Kurti on Serbian businessmen in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica," the SL announced. They claim that the roof of the summer garden of the "Wolf" cafe was ordered to be removed yesterday, and that it was allegedly done "even though the owner has a proper permit and regularly pays all obligations."

"An additional scandal is the fact that the decision on removal was written exclusively in the Albanian language, without the right to appeal, which directly violates the right to a legal remedy as well as the use of the Serbian language and script," said the SL, claiming it was another in a series of politically motivated pressures by which "Kurti shows his dictatorial and anti-Serb mentality".

"He did not forgive the Serbian businessmen for participating in the celebration of the Mitrovica Days cultural event, and now he is carrying out retaliatory measures against them," claimed this party. 

The SL criticized the international community.

"Although we repeatedly warned international representatives about this kind of behavior, their passivity allowed Kurti to act unhindered against the Serbian people and even violate his own laws and regulations."

The Serbian List calls on the international community to "finally end the policy of silence" and act urgently to protect the basic human and economic rights of Serbs.

KoSSev learned unofficially from KP that municipal inspectors visited this cafe yesterday, adding that it was confirmed to this portal that a request was made in relation to the cafe garden, but without information whether a deadline was given, and whether the removal of just the roof or the entire garden was being requested. Municipal inspectors visited this cafe, then known as "Grey", as early as April last year. According to KoSSev's knowledge at the time, the officers came after this cafe was allegedly asked on several occasions to remove the platform on which the garden was located, which was not done.

Student: Our electoral list nearly complete, free of both opposition and ruling party figures (N1)

Faculty of Political Sciences student Aleksa Simic said Tuesday that the student-led electoral list is 99 percent finalized, with minor changes still possible depending on ongoing discussions. “There won’t be any prominent leaders on the list, we want to move away from the cult of personality that’s been so pervasive,” he said.

In an interview with N1, Simic explained that there are key criteria for the student list, excluding representatives from both the opposition and the ruling coalition.

Instead, the list will feature fresh faces, individuals without prior political ambitions, untainted by political controversies, schemes, or corruption, he said.

“Ideology isn’t our main focus. We are looking for people who don’t hold extremist views. What we need is unity despite ideological differences,” Simic emphasized, adding that the list will include 250 candidates whom students believe can authentically represent Serbian citizens.

Simic declined to comment on specific names that have surfaced in media reports about the student list but hinted that some of them might surprise people.

“Two things matter to us: individuals who have distinguished themselves, who aren’t afraid to speak out for what is just, who have integrity, and who will stick to the program and social contract we are shaping day by day,” the student explained.

Commenting on the opposition’s call for talks on electoral conditions, Simic said the students’ stance is that such discussions are not necessary at this moment.

Better electoral conditions are simply unattainable under this government, he noted.

More than 70 fires in 12 hours, arrest in Lipljan (KoSSev)

During the last 12 hours, 72 fires were registered in Kosovo. Of the total number, 11 are still active, while 61 fires are localized.

The most difficult situation yesterday was in the municipality of Kamenica, i.e., in the villages of Tudjevac and Gmince, which was why KFOR was asked to intervene from the air to extinguish the fire.

The Agency for Emergency Situations stated that they were in coordination with the fire services, 112 operational centers and the Kosovo Police, with the aim of managing the situation.

The agency thanked the firefighters, members of the Kosovo Police, KSF, KFOR, municipalities and citizens who helped.

Arrest for arson

Yesterday, officers of the police station in Lipjan arrested a person suspected of involvement in arson and as assumed, negligently.

According to the police, the fire caused a serious risk to property and public safety, which is why the competent prosecutor's office initiated proceedings for "causing a general danger".

The Kosovo police appealed to the citizens - to show maximum caution to prevent a fire, but also to report it to 192 if they see a fire.

This week, Kosovo is also facing an African heat wave, which brings more tropical days with high temperatures, further complicating the situation and increasing the risk of fires spreading.

The situation in the region is no better. In several areas of Montenegro, firefighters and other services have been fighting the fire for days. Today, a soldier of this country was killed while fighting a fire in Kuci, and another was seriously injured.

On the other hand, a man from Kosovo was arrested in Montenegro today on suspicion of causing a fire in Bar.

International Media 

Kosovo probe links broadcaster’s removal of BIRN shows to businessman’s influence (Balkan Insight)

Internal investigation into Kosovo's public broadcaster links the decision to axe two BIRN TV shows from schedule to previous management's connections to businessman Blerim Devolli.

Fadil Hoxha, adviser to the director of the Kosovo public broadcaster, Radio Television of Kosovo, RTK, has claimed, after conducting an internal investigation, that the broadcaster stopped airing two TV programmes made by BIRN Kosovo because of the former management’s ties to a businessman, Blerim Devolli.

RTK stopped broadcasting the shows, “Jeta ne Kosove” and “Drejtesia ne Kosove”, in 2020 after a BIRN investigation was aired accusing Devolli of violating anti-monopoly rules in the solar energy market.

BIRN’s “Jeta ne Kosove” TV programme aired the investigation “Unclean Energy: The Kosovar Who Would Own the Sun”, by Visar Prebeza and BIRN Kosovo director Jeta Xharra, on April 30, 2020.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/2vtmtktu