The government of Kosovo through a press statement condemned the attack on the premises of the public broadcaster – the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) – on Monday evening. “The government of Kosovo believes that this is an attack against free speech and against all media in Kosovo. The government invites state authorities to shed light on this case and bring the perpetrators of this act to justice.

The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) said the attack on RTK premises on Monday evening was a criminal act “and above all premeditated to create an unstable situation that will not serve anyone’s interests”. “This despicable act was an attack against the freedom of the media which is the foundation of every democracy. The recent attacks, including the one against RTK last night, highlight the urgency for mobilisation of law enforcement and judicial authorities to resolve these cases and to bring those responsible to justice.

Kosovo Assembly President, Kadri Veseli, said today that the attack on the premises of the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) was a criminal act. “The explosive device thrown at the Radio Television of Kosovo is a criminal act that is part of the series of recent similar actions aimed at threatening public order and the safety of the people and members of public institutions.

The news website reports that it received an email from the group called “Rugovasit” [Rugova residents] claiming responsibility for Monday’s attack on the premises of the public broadcaster – the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK). The email reads: “we attacked the RTK last night with a hand grenade. Below are the reasons for the attack: the RTK did not publish our communique that we attacked Murat Meha’s several days ago. The RTK, on a daily basis, is broadcasting news only in favor of the demarcation and the government.

Xhavit Haliti, Vice President of the Kosovo Assembly, has condemned the attack on the premises of the public broadcaster – the Radio Television of Kosovo – on Monday evening. “Last night’s attack on the RTK is a despicable act and an attack against the freedom of speech and freedom of the media. I call on law enforcement authorities to resolve this case as soon as possible and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Haliti said.

A powerful explosion shook the main building of Kosovo’s public broadcaster, RTK around 10pm on Monday night, according to reports from the scene.

Journalists and staff were working inside at the time, but no injuries are being reported.

RTK stated that a hand grenade caused the explosion, according to the police demining unit.

Deputy leader of the Vetëvendosje movement, Dardan Sejdiu, wrote on his Facebook page that Kosovo has not used the U.S. support properly.

The ruling coalition will have to secure by September 1 the necessary votes in parliament to ratify the border-demarcation deal with Montenegro. Opposition parties meanwhile have not changed their position on the matter. Political analysts in Pristina argue that the remaining period must be used to try and reach consensus.

A powerful explosion was heard last night close to the main bridge over the River Ibër/Ibar in Mitrovica. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The explosive device was thrown at 23:58 at “Oslobodjenje” Road, close to the bridge.

The leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) Ramush Haradinaj, spoke about the visit of the U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden to Kosovo. He did not see a problem on the fact that Biden would not meet the opposition parties. “The visit of the U.S. Vice-President, Joe Biden is an honor for Kosovo, while the Institutions of Kosovo are the discussing party. This visit is also an honor for the opposition,” Haradinaj said.