The Kosovo Journalists’ Association (AGK) has strongly condemned threats and interference in the work of KoSSev journalist Dragana Vukosavljević, urging the Kosovo Police to conduct a professional investigation into the matter.
AGK’s reaction follows an incident involving Fatime Stavileci, an official and former head of the Civil Registration Office in North Mitrovica, who pressured and threatened the journalist after she published an article based on information provided by Stavileci.
Incident Overview
Earlier today, Vukosavljević contacted Stavileci in her official capacity as an employee of the Registry Office in North Mitrovica, seeking information regarding the suspension of birth and death registrations. Stavileci provided the information she had but directed the journalist to relevant ministries in Pristina, stating that she was not authorized to disclose further details.
However, following the article’s publication, Vukosavljević received a phone call from Stavileci, during which the official expressed displeasure over being named in the report.
„Why did you mention my name? You should have just written ‘Registry Office.’ You have no right to use my name,“ Stavileci said.
When asked by the journalist what was incorrect in the published information, Stavileci responded:
„You are not allowed to mention my name. That’s why I told you that Pristina is in charge, not me. I will now come to your office with the police. See you in two minutes. Either you delete my name immediately, or I will come with the police. You will have to deal with it. I will sue you, be sure of that, and I will find out who gave you my number.“
Despite these threats, neither Stavileci nor the Kosovo Police arrived at the KoSSev newsroom.
Call for Accountability
KoSSev has reached out to the North Mitrovica Municipality, seeking urgent responses regarding the incident. The newsroom has requested clarification on why an official threatened a journalist, what steps will be taken to address the matter, and why both the public and media are frequently directed to central authorities in Pristina for local administrative information. Additionally, the outlet questioned when local officials would end the ongoing practice of disregarding Serbian-language media.
AGK’s Statement
In response to the incident, AGK issued a statement condemning the threats against Vukosavljević and the attempts to obstruct her work.
„AGK strongly condemns the threats and interference in the work of journalist Vukosavljević,“ the association stated.
The organization called on the Kosovo Police to conduct a thorough and professional investigation and urged the North Mitrovica local government to launch an internal inquiry into the matter.
Furthermore, AGK called on North Mitrovica Mayor Erden Atić and the municipal administration to ensure greater transparency in decision-making processes.
„We urge the local government to commit to providing answers on matters of public interest to journalists of all nationalities,“ the statement concluded.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
