Unfettered and professional media key for democratic development of Kosovo, says OSCE Mission Head on World Press Freedom Day

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 3 May 2015 – Unfettered and professional media are key for democratic development of Kosovo, said Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, as he called on institutions to guarantee the freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and to provide for a safer working environment for journalists to inform the public timely and objectively.

“Despite some progress in addressing cases involving attacks against journalists, the media continue to be subjected to political and economic pressure, while journalists continue to be intimidated and threatened, which further undermines the freedom of expression and free media in Kosovo,” he said. “Unfortunately, the number of attacks, threats and smear campaigns against journalists remains high, with 24 such cases reported in 2014 alone, and up to ten cases until April 2015.” 

“I strongly condemn these attacks and threats against journalists, as well as any type of influence on independent media. Journalists should be able to work freely and safely without undue interference.”

Ambassador Schlumberger commended the Assembly of Kosovo for looking into the performance and finances of the Radio and Television of Kosovo (RTK). “Financial transparency and long-term financing solution is of great importance for the public broadcaster’s editorial independence, and I call upon the Assembly to continue working closely with all RTK stakeholders to ensure that RTK operates independently and in the interest of the public.”

He also praised the Independent Media Commission for their work in finalizing and submitting the Strategy for transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting to Kosovo institutions, and the Press Council of Kosovo for upholding principles of professional journalism and ethics for print and online media, as well as for promoting the further development of investigative journalism.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It is helping safeguard freedom of media and freedom of expression and supports media development.

Note to journalists: To mark World Press Freedom Day, the OSCE Mission will organize a conference on freedom of media and professional standards with the aim of assessing the current state of media freedom, and ethical and professional standards in the media. The conference will be held at the Hotel Swiss Diamond, Prishtinë/Priština on Monday, 4 May 2015, at 10:30.