Mitropol (https://mitropol.net/), an online media outlet based in Mitrovica (Mitrovicë), Kosovo, published by Mitropol Media, recently faced two serious threats on 24 July 2024. The first threat was tied to a report concerning the establishment of a mini-amusement park in Vushtrri (Vushtrria / Vučitrn), Kosovo, square, while the second involved a video claiming that the Wagner Group (Группа Вагнера) is present in Kosovo. The Wagner Group is allegedly a Russian paramilitary organization, often described as a private military company, known for its involvement in various conflicts, including in Ukraine, Syria, and several African countries, often acting in alignment with Russian state interests.
These threats are deeply troubling and represent a clear attempt to intimidate journalists and undermine their ability to report freely in the public interest.
In response to these incidents, the Kosovo Police have been urged to conduct a thorough investigation and collaborate with the media to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. It is essential that journalists in Kosovo are able to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence.
Following these threats, a suspect from Vushtrri / Vučitrn has been arrested. The Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Mitrovica, Kosovo, has identified the individual, accusing him of making threats in connection with the report on the amusement park. The suspect has been detained for 48 hours as part of the ongoing investigation, with the actions classified as the criminal offense of “Threat,” under Article 181 of the Criminal Code of Kosovo.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent threats made against the journalists of Mitropol which represent a blatant attack on media freedom and the safety of journalists in Kosovo. Such intimidation tactics are completely unacceptable and undermine the vital role of the press in providing information to the public. SEEMO calls on the Kosovo authorities to ensure the protection of journalists, and secure press freedom. SEEMO will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that press freedom is upheld.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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