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Kosovo: IFJ/EFJ condemns a second attack on public broadcaster
The International and European Federations of Journalists, (IFJ and EFJ), today joined their affiliate, the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), in condemning an explosive attack at the home of the head of Kosovo’s public broadcaster RTK, the second such attack in a week.
Reports said that an unknown attacker threw an explosive device at the house of Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK)’s General Director, Mentor Shala, late Sunday in the capital, Pristina. Police told media that the device, which caused no casualties, was likely a hand grenade that was thrown in to the backyard while the entire family was inside the house.
“This attack is a criminal act against media freedom and should be sanctioned”, said Shkelqim Hysenaj, President of the AGK, while the government described the incident as a "criminal act directed against media freedom in Kosovo".
The IFJ and EFJ have again shown their solidarity with the AGK following a first explosive attack in the courtyard of the RTK’s headquarters on 22 August in Pristina. Some journalists were working inside the building but no injuries were reported, just material damage. The case was then submitted to the Mapping Media Freedom platform and the Police have launched an investigation.
Responsibility for both attacks was today claimed by a group called "Rugovasit", a term for inhabitants of the Rugova mountains at the disputed border with Montenegro, as Kosovo's Parliament will vote a demarcation deal with this country on Thursday, which opponents fear will see Kosovo lose thousands of hectares.
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