OSCE condemns attack on Kosovo public broadcaster editor in chief

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, SAN JOSÉ, 1 May 2013 – Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, the head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE media freedom representative, condemned today the attack on Mufail Limani, the editor in chief of the public broadcaster, Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK).

The entrance door to the Limani family residence was set on fire earlier this morning using a gas cylinder. Fortunately no one was injured.

“I strongly condemn this morning’s attack on the RTK’s editor in chief, Mr. Limani, and his family,” said Schlumberger.

“The attack on Limani is very disturbing. It is pointing to a developing trend of harassment and intimidation of journalist and media professionals which is hampering media freedom and freedom of expression and must be stopped,” said Mijatović who is attending commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day in San José, Costa Rica.

“I repeat my call from yesterday on Kosovo institutions to do their utmost to promote and preserve an environment in which media are able to work freely and safely without undue influence and interference. I also call on the law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators of this and previous attacks on media to justice,” added Schlumberger.

He wished Limani family speedy recovery from the shock and stress they were exposed to.