Investigative journalism or intimidation of journalists?

The Kosovo Journalists’ Association has repeatedly, as recently as yesterday, appealed to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his ruling Self-Determination Movement to refrain from „unacceptable campaigns“ aimed at „intimidating journalists“ in Kosovo from doing their job.

Published as the „first part of exclusive findings,“ authored by an unnamed „Investigative Team of Slobodna Bosna,“ the article titled „THE BIGGEST SECRET OF VUČIĆ’S (SR)BIA (I): What the President of Serbia Hid from Scholz and Why Dodik Couldn’t Restrain Himself…“ was allegedly published yesterday afternoon on the RTK portal, and subsequently shared by two Self-Determination MPs on social media with screenshots.

What „Slobodna Bosna“ wrote?

The article penned by this unnamed group of „researchers“ discusses the intentions of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić regarding the background of lithium excavation.
In a highlighted section, it also touches on alleged findings about Vučić’s influence on the media in Kosovo:

„According to Slobodna Bosna’s findings, Vučić’s regime is expanding after Montenegro and Kosovo in terms of ‘covering’ unsuitable media in the region. After ‘actions’ in Montenegro, the media strike in Kosovo has begun, where, according to our sources from that country, the first target was the Periskopi portal, which is under the direct control of the terrorist from Banjska, Milan Radoičić. Recently, a multi-million transaction with Kosovo’s Nacionale, which criticized Albin Kurti’s government, was completed, causing outrage among Kosovo Albanians.“

Although presented as an investigative piece, it lacks the necessary elements for journalistic investigative reporting. Instead, it is written in a propagandist and tabloid tone.

According to the Kosovo Journalists’ Association, this was the part RTK decided to publish yesterday, which was then cited by Self-Determination MPs Dimal Basha and Salih Zuba.

We could not find the article on RTK using search engines, including Google, or the site’s available archive in the meantime.

According to ‘Slobodna Bosna’…

„Vučić’s problem number 1 is Albin Kurti, and it is expected that his entertainment in the country and abroad will activate before the elections! According to ‘Slobodna Bosna,’ one portal in Kosovo is under the direct control of terrorist Milan Radoičić, while another portal accepted a multi-million transaction to publish articles critical of Albin Kurti’s government. These are the criminals hiding behind a purse to entertain Serbia!“ stated Self-Determination MP Dimal Basha.

His colleague Salih Zuba added:

„There are news items that are not shared, and there are news items that are shared but do not make NEWS. Example: The Bosnian daily ‘Slobodna Bosna’ published its investigation today, revealing Belgrade/Vučić’s plans to influence and control media in the region, including Kosovo. Two Kosovo media outlets, Periskopi and Nacionale, were mentioned. ‘Slobodna Bosna’ has warned about other texts as well. Until then, this is news.“

Kosovo Journalists’ Association: Dangerous and unacceptable campaign

The Kosovo Journalists’ Association immediately reacted, condemning what they call a dangerous campaign of accusations by two Self-Determination MPs against the Nacionale and Periskopi portals.

„The Kosovo Journalists’ Association is alarmed by the new Self-Determination Movement campaign against the media in Kosovo. MPs Sali Zuba and Dimal Basha distributed an article from the media outlet ‘Slobodna Bosna,’ accusing Kosovo media of being ‘under the control of Serbia and Vučić’,“ the association explained, along with details of the messages from the two MPs.

The Kosovo Journalists’ Association also provided information about the sources behind these alleged claims from the portal:

„The writing of ‘Slobodna Bosna’ is based on sources and statements from a controversial individual named Boban Bogdanović, who claims to be a Serbian political dissident.“

„The Kosovo Journalists’ Association strongly condemns this dangerous and unacceptable campaign by the ruling Self-Determination party MPs aimed at these two media outlets and the journalists who work there. Such campaigns seriously endanger the safety of the journalists at these two media outlets, and Self-Determination and its MPs must be held responsible for inciting hatred and potential attacks on them.“

The association also recalled their multiple previous appeals to Albin Kurti and Self-Determination to stop targeting the media and journalists, while expressing regret:

„That ‘news’ like this, with which our colleagues are attacked, found a place in the main news of Kosovo Public Television.“

Although presented as an investigative piece, it lacks the elements necessary for a journalistic investigative story.

Portals Periskopi and Nacionale, along with several other media outlets, have previously been targeted by circles close to Self-Determination, and accused of being linked to Serbia. The director of Nacionale, Berat Buxhala, who is a sharp critic of Albin Kurti’s policies and this movement, was particularly under attack.