Death Threats Against Kosovo Journalist Spark Urgent Calls for Protection

December 5, 2024 – Kosovo-

Kosovo journalist and media founder Berat Buzhala received a chilling death threat via Facebook Messenger, warning that he and “some of your kind” would be killed. The message, sent from an anonymous account that was deactivated shortly after, is believed to be linked to Buzhala’s critical journalism and his outlet Nacionale’s independent editorial stance. This threat follows months of escalating pressure on Nacionale, including online harassment, smear campaigns, cyberattacks, and verbal attacks by government officials.

Buzhala, a prominent figure in Kosovo’s media landscape and a former lawmaker, believes the threats are politically motivated. Government figures and members of the ruling party have previously accused Nacionale of being “pro-Serbian,” a label that in Kosovo’s tense post-conflict environment can incite significant public hostility. He stated that the threat cannot be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of a broader campaign to intimidate and delegitimize independent journalism.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the death threat and called on Kosovo authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative, emphasized the need for swift accountability and robust protection for both Buzhala and the Nacionale newsroom. The Association of Journalists of Kosovo echoed this demand, warning that a toxic atmosphere of political hostility toward the media is undermining press freedom and endangering lives.

Kosovo police confirmed they are investigating the incident, but Buzhala expressed skepticism about the investigation’s independence, citing the political nature of the harassment. In the meantime, journalists at Nacionale continue to work under fear and uncertainty, with no clear assurance of safety.

This incident highlights a troubling pattern in Kosovo, where political narratives are increasingly weaponized against the media. The branding of independent outlets as traitorous or foreign-aligned fosters a climate in which threats and violence become normalized. As Kosovo seeks deeper ties with the European Union, the government’s response to this case will serve as a critical test of its commitment to press freedom, journalist safety, and democratic integrity.

Reference –

Kosovo journalist Berat Buzhala, Nacionale newsroom receive death threat