The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) has warned that President Vjosa Osmani’s latest remarks threaten the physical and legal safety of journalists. The association urged Kosovo’s competent institutions to respond after Osmani linked unnamed reporters to “Radoičić” and “a coup attempt.”
The controversy erupted a day after Jetmir Muji, a cameraman for the online outlet Paparaci, was arrested and then released. Muji had been filming a report on the schooling of Osmani’s daughters — a story that drew sharp reactions from civil society and media circles.
Addressing the public, Osmani said that while she herself can be subjected to criticism, her children should not. She explained that her daughters left the “Ismail Qemali” public school for security reasons, citing threats including those allegedly coming from Serbia.
Speaking more broadly about security challenges, the president referred to “plans for a coup” in Kosovo. In the same statement, she spoke of journalists she described as “Radoičićs,” without naming anyone, saying that revealing names could jeopardize an ongoing investigation.
“Journalists were not investigated — ‘Radoičićs’ were. Plans for a coup were investigated. We cannot disclose names so as not to obstruct the investigation. During the investigation, everything was recorded about who collaborated with them. Institutions have assessed that revealing names would compromise the investigation,” Osmani stated.
AGK responded sharply, accusing the president of continuing with “deeply irresponsible statements for the position she holds” by linking “some journalists” with “Radoičić” and a “coup attempt.” According to the association, such remarks directly endanger the physical safety of journalists.
The organization also expressed concern over Osmani’s reference to the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA) to reinforce allegations against “some journalists,” arguing that such claims undermine legal certainty not only for media workers but for all Kosovo citizens.
“AGK calls on security bodies to clarify these serious accusations, which serve as open intimidation of journalists in an attempt to stop their work and public-interest questioning,” the association said.
It further urged Osmani to renounce “undemocratic practices” of attacking the media and instead assume her “constitutional role guaranteeing freedom of the press and expression.”
This is AGK’s second statement in two days in response to Osmani’s remarks. On Wednesday, media expert Flutura Kusari accused the president of mimicking the Self-Determination Movement’s anti-media narrative. The Safe Journalists Network also issued a statement.
Political analyst Ilir Deda, meanwhile, dismissed Osmani’s claims about a coup attempt outright.
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