Albanian Language Media: 

• Prosecution orders commission to resume ballot count in Mitrovica South (media)
• CEC: Ballot printing company said a technical error occurred (media)
• PDK submits complaint to ECAP over elections in Mitrovica (media)
• Prosecution files indictment against caretaker minister and three others (media)
• Haxhiu says indictment against Hajdari is “politically motivated” (media)
• PDK, LDK representatives comment on indictment against Hajdari (media)
• OSCE welcomes efforts by Osmani and Basha for funding solutions for RTK (media)
• Haradinaj suggests a transitional government (Klan Kosova)
• Former police officer gets 10 years for Kosovo war crimes (media)

Serbian Language Media:

• Vucic with Macron on all important geopolitical issues and Serbia's EU path (Kosovo Online, TV Pink, Tanjug, media) 
• Dacic at the Celebration of Angola’s Independence Jubilee: Serbia and Angola preserve their traditional friendship (Kosovo Online)
• Lawyer Filipovic: We will appeal against the first-instance verdict against Sacir Ljutvija (Tanjug)
• Rizanaj: Fake news spreads six times faster than true news (KiM radio, Media Center Caglavica)

International Media: 

• Kosovo Court Convicts Former Serbian Police Inspector of War Crimes (BIRN)

Albanian Language Media

Prosecution orders commission to resume ballot count in Mitrovica South (media)

The Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica said on Tuesday that it has ordered the Municipal Election Council to resume the process of counting ballots from the mayoral runoff election in Mitrovica South. The prosecution said that the decision was made after receiving an explanation from the Slovenian-based ballot printing company which assumed responsibility for the error.

The prosecution also said that two police investigators will be present until the counting process is complete. 

The Central Election Commission said in a statement that the verification process will start on Tuesday at 16:00 hours. 

CEC: Ballot printing company said a technical error occurred (media)

Kosovo’s Central Election Commission (CEC) said on Tuesday that it received an official confirmation from the Slovenian-based ballot printing company about an “identified error” in some ballot papers for the November 9 mayoral runoff elections in Mitrovica South and Gjakova. The CEC said that after getting photographs showing the error, the ballot printing company carried out a full investigation of the production process and preparation of data. “The investigation revealed that the problem occurred only in one of the four printer heads that prints the polling station number, while the control system monitors only the serial number (QR code), therefore the error was not detected during printing,” the statement notes. 

The CEC also said that the ballot printing company said it takes full responsibility for the “technical” error, stressing that the ballot papers contain multiple security elements that make it impossible to forge or copy them. “The company expresses deep regret for the incident and confirms that it remains fully at the CEC’s disposal for any assistance in the investigation and verification of the ballot papers to clarify the circumstances of the case,” the CEC statement continues. 

PDK submits complaint to ECAP over elections in Mitrovica (media)

The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) has today, within the legal deadline, submitted an official complaint to the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP), in defense of the will of the people of Mitrovica. In its statement, PDK emphasized that this action was taken in accordance with the law and with the purpose of protecting the integrity of the electoral process and the free vote of the people. The party assured the people that it will responsibly follow all legal procedures to ensure that the final result reflects the true will of the people. According to PDK, “only a re-vote can bring justice to the electoral process and to the citizens’ will.”

“The vote is sacred. Democracy begins and ends with its protection and respect,” the statement concluded.

Prosecution files indictment against caretaker minister and three others (media)

Most news websites report that the Special Prosecution of Kosovo filed an indictment on Tuesday against caretaker Minister of Industry and Trade, Rozeta Hajdari, Irfan Lipovica, Hafiz Gara and Ridvan Muharremi, in relation to the case of contracting the state reserves of goods in 2022. 

The Special Prosecution said in a statement that the defendants are suspected of committing the criminal offenses “abuse of official position or authority” and “disclosure of official confidentiality”. The defendants R.H., I.L. and H.G. are accused that in February – March 2022, abused their official duties with the purpose of material gain for other persons and for damaging the budget of Kosovo. As a result of their actions, the prosecution said, the state budget was damaged by over €2 million euros. The statement notes that the defendants are also charged with disclosing official secrecy without authorization and that although they were aware that the location of the state reserves constitutes a state secret, they deliberately made this information available to the other defendant in the case.

Hajdari said in a Facebook post that her attorney informed her about the indictment. She also said that she would give a statement to the media after she sees the full indictment. 

Haxhiu says indictment against Hajdari is “politically motivated” (media)

Former Minister of Justice and Vetevendosje senior member Albulena Haxhiu said on Tuesday that the indictment against caretaker Minister of Trade and Industry Rozeta Hajdari is politically motivated. “We have been saying for a long time that investigations against Minister Hajdari are influenced and the indictment against her proves this. Minister Hajdari is neither corrupted nor has she ever abused her official position … This indictment is politically motivated, without any real basis and clearly intentional … The Minister has done everything in her power to protect the country’s interest and to make sure that Kosovo has state reserves, unlike previous governments who left the country without reserves. It is clear that there is a tendency to stain her figure. Justice should be based on facts and on the work that is done and not on political influences or objectives,” she said.

PDK, LDK representatives comment on indictment against Hajdari (media)

MP from the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) Vlora Citaku commented on the special prosecution’s indictment against caretaker Minister of Trade and Industry Rozeta Hajdari and three others, claiming that Hajdari did not make a single step without the approval of caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti. “In fact, Rozeta, as well as all her colleagues in the Kurti 2 government, did not make a single step without the knowledge and approval of A.K. It was clear to everyone that A.K. did not have ministers with full mandate and decision-making authority. He had assistants, executors of his orders,” Citaku said in a Facebook post.

MP from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) Doarsa Kica-Xhelili argued in a Facebook post that the indictment against Hajdari is directly related to Albin Kurti and the Vetevendosje Movement. She also claimed that a parliamentary investigative committee into the state reserves case was sabotaged for six months by the Vetevendosje Movement. “This indictment is late, because there were plenty of facts even earlier; the indictment should not include only Rozeta Hajdari, because she only carried out the orders of her superior, Kurti,” she said.

OSCE welcomes efforts by Osmani and Basha for funding solutions for RTK (media)

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo said in a statement on Tuesday that it welcomes efforts by Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and Assembly Speaker Dimal Basha to secure funding solutions for the future of the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK). “Public service media matters. Ensuring RTK’s independence and sustainability is vital for democracy and informed communities. We welcome efforts from President Osmani and Assembly Speaker Basha to secure funding solutions for RTK’s future,” the statement notes.

Haradinaj suggests a transitional government (Klan Kosova)

MP from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Daut Haradinaj said on Tuesday that the Kurti-led Vetevendosje Movement is not interested in forming a new government and that a transitional government would be the best solution. “I think it would be good to agree that none of us are part of a government. I am not saying a technical government, but a transitional government. We have many people in society who are prepared and qualified for this,” he argued.

Former police officer gets 10 years for Kosovo war crimes (media)

The Basic Court in Prishtina, Special Department, has sentenced the accused S.L. to 10 years in prison, after finding him guilty of the criminal offense of “War crimes against the civilian population,” as provided by Article 142 in connection with Article 22 of the Criminal Code of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. According to the judgment, the time the defendant has spent in pre-trial detention, from October 14, 2023 until the decision becomes final, will be credited toward the sentence.

S.L. was accused of having, during 1998–1999, in the period of the war in Kosovo, and in his capacity as an inspector and police officer at the Prizren Police Station, participated in violent acts against the Albanian civilian population. The verdict states that the convicted man, together with other members of the Serbian police forces, carried out arrests, beatings, mistreatment, and inhumane treatment of Albanian civilians, including the use of electric shocks during interrogations. As a result of these acts, one detainee, R.J., died, while several others sustained serious bodily injuries. The victims have been instructed to pursue their compensation claims through civil proceedings.

The court also ordered the convicted person to pay court and legal fees totaling €400 within 15 days from the date the judgment becomes final. The measure of pre-trial detention against S.L. will continue until the verdict becomes final, but not longer than the duration of the sentence.

Both parties have the right to appeal the verdict within 30 days, through the Basic Court in Pristina, to the Court of Appeals of Kosovo.

Serbian Language Media

Vucic with Macron on all important geopolitical issues and Serbia's EU path (Kosovo Online, TV Pink, Tanjug, media) 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that on Thursday in Paris, he will discuss all important geopolitical and regional issues and Serbia's European path with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Vucic told TV Pink that all important geopolitical and regional issues, bilateral cooperation, Serbia's European path and all other important issues will be discussed, reported Kosovo Online. 

Commenting on the statement of the Chief of General Staff of the French Armed Forces, General Fabien Mandon, that ''members of the French army are being prepared for a possible war with Russia in the next three to four years, Vucic warned that a war between Europe and Russia is increasingly certain''.

"Our people think that it's all an empty story and that it's happening somewhere there, I don't know where... I arrange the facts and come to the conclusion that the war between Europe and Russia is increasingly certain. And it's not an empty story; you see that everyone is preparing for it. General Mandon is a serious and responsible man and if he said it, and I know how reserved he always is, then I'm afraid that things have gone too far," said Vucic and recalled that Germany announced an investment of 377 billion euros in equipping the army.

He stated that Serbia has so far invested wisely, and will continue to do so, in order to strengthen its army, not to attack someone, but to deter any potential aggressor.

Speaking about NIS and the letter that the Russian owners sent to the American OFAK asking for an extension of the work license, based on negotiations with a third party, Vucic said that he ''knows who the third party is, but that he cannot reveal it''.

"We'll see if the Americans will be satisfied with the change in the management structure or if they will ask for a change in ownership as well. We're running out of time; there are about 10 days left. Just so that no one thinks that I'm not determined to protect Serbian interests, I'm telling that to Moscow and Washington," said Vucic.

Dacic at the Celebration of Angola’s Independence Jubilee: Serbia and Angola preserve their traditional friendship (Kosovo Online)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Serbia Ivica Dacic, who visited Luanda on behalf of President Aleksandar Vucic for the central ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Angola, stated that there is great mutual respect and long-standing friendship between Serbia and Angola and emphasized that Angola respects Serbia’s territorial integrity, reported yesterday Kosovo Online.

Following the parade held at the memorial complex “Dr. António Agostinho Neto”, Dacic said that Serbia, formerly Yugoslavia, and Angola were great friends and that the cooperation between the two countries is founded on historic ties dating back to Angola’s struggle for liberation from colonialism.

“What is important to say is that Serbia, or rather Yugoslavia, and Angola were great friends. It was a great honor for us that the presidents of Angola remembered, after 50 years of independence, to award an order to Josip Broz Tito for his contribution and the contribution of the then Yugoslavia in Angola’s liberation struggle. This confirms how strong our mutual relations are and how much Yugoslavia helped Angola’s independence — through training, scholarships, education of people and cadres, including the military, as well as through assistance in arms, as they say, so that the struggle could be brought to a successful end,” Dacic said.

He emphasized that Angola respects Serbia’s territorial integrity and voted against Kosovo’s admission to UNESCO and Interpol.

“All this shows that Angola has a truly exceptional and priority relationship with Serbia, as the successor of Yugoslavia. They also presented us with this order for Tito. On the other hand, Angola firmly stands by the principles of respecting Serbia’s territorial integrity. It voted against Kosovo’s admission to UNESCO and against its admission to Interpol and has always been on our side. Therefore, there is great mutual respect, and I think it is important that, besides Portugal, we were the only European country represented here at the highest level at the celebration of this great anniversary,” said the Serbian Deputy Prime Minister among other things.

Lawyer Filipovic: We will appeal against the first-instance verdict against Sacir Ljutvija (Tanjug)

Jovana Filipovic, the lawyer of the former member of the Serbian MIA, Sacir Ljutvija, who was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison for an alleged war crime against the civilian population in Prizren, announced an appeal against the first-instance verdict and emphasized that it was unclear on the basis of which evidence the sentence was imposed on her client, reported Tanjug agency.

"It is really unclear on what basis, on the basis of which evidence someone could have convicted Sacir, when you take into account all the evidence we submitted during the proceedings, as well as what the witnesses said during their statements both at the main trial and during the investigation. Of course, we will appeal against this decision, we believe that it is absolutely illegal and that the court was obliged to pass an acquittal verdict," said Filipovic.

She pointed out that the court did not provide any explanation for such a decision.

"We did not have the opportunity to hear even a short explanation from the court, so there was no explanation at all. The only thing we heard was the sentencing and we are waiting to see the explanation," said Filipovic.

Rizanaj: Fake news spreads six times faster than true news (KiM radio, Media Center Caglavica)

Fake news and misinformation are increasingly flooding social networks and media, especially in societies with complex political and ethnic relations, such as Kosovo. How to recognize them, check them and prevent their spread, was the topic of discussion in the podcast of the Media Center of Caglavica with Festim Rizanaj, researcher of the Hybrid.info platform, KiM radio reported. 

Hybrid.info is a fact-checking platform that was created in 2020 in response to the spread of fake news during the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform monitors media, portals and social media accounts daily, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Telegram, to identify and refute false information and educate the public about media literacy.

"When we find various disinformation or manipulation of facts or manipulation of photos, then we process it with public, well-known facts and post a link to the fact so that the public can click and find out why a certain content is disinformation. And, in a way, we try to inform the public about the disinformation that is in circulation," Rizanaj explained.

The Hibrid.info team has five members, each of whom follows a specific segment of information. 

The most common forms of fake news in Kosovo, according to Rizanaj, are photo manipulation, video editing and clickbait headlines. In addition to social networks, errors and unverified content can also appear on traditional portals due to the pressure of reporting speed.

"I would single out one case with an ethnic issue. It is a protest from 2022 in Rudare in Zvecan, when the Serbian community came out to protest, and the media presented an official announcement by the Kosovo Police about the number of demonstrators. They claimed that there were 1,500 people, while Petar Petkovic from the Office for Kosovo in the Government of Serbia published several photos from the protest. He claimed that there were 10,000 people. When we checked the photos and the claims of both sides, it seemed that the Police presented less, and that Petar Petkovic exaggerated the numbers, and we found an application online to check how many people could accommodate the area where the protesters were protesting. During the calculation, it could be seen that the area could accommodate 5,000-5,500 people, so both sides somehow did not verify the right information and did not present it in the right form."

According to him, Facebook is still leading the way as a platform for disseminating misinformation, while TikTok is growing, especially among young people.

International Media

Kosovo Court Convicts Former Serbian Police Inspector of War Crimes (BIRN)

Pristina’s Basic Court sentenced Sacir Lutvija, a former member of Serbian police forces, to ten years in prison for war crimes committed during the 1998-99 war in Kosovo.

According to the indictment, Serbian police and military forces staged a campaign of arrests of ethnic Albanian civilians and 11 of them were taken to Prizren police station in southern Kosovo, where Lutvija was among the inspectors who questioned them.

Prosecutors said those arrested were beaten during the interrogation and subjected to electric shocks on their hands and genitals. One civilian died and ten others sustained serious bodily injuries.

Lutvija, a 65-year-old ethnic Gorani, who has both Kosovo and Serbian citizenship, was arrested in October 2023 and has been in detention since then. The time in custody will be counted towards his sentence.

Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/54ur7bkb