A live political debate on the popular talk show Pressing on the Pristina-based television channel T7 was abruptly interrupted last night after a fierce verbal clash broke out between GUXO MP Nezir Kraki and journalist Parim Olluri. The argument, which quickly escalated into a shouting match, forced moderator Leonard Kerquki and other panelists to step in and end the show only minutes after it began.
The discussion had centered on allegations of vote fraud in South Mitrovica, following reports of irregularities during ballot counting. The Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica temporarily halted the process earlier this week after inconsistencies were found in serial numbers on several ballots.
Following an investigation, the Slovenian company CETIS, responsible for printing the ballots, confirmed that the discrepancies were due to a technical malfunction in one of its printers and denied any possibility of forgery. The prosecution then ordered the counting to continue.
Nevertheless, opposition parties LDK and PDK have demanded a repeat of the election in South Mitrovica, citing what they claim are “serious irregularities.”
PDK has since filed a formal complaint with the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (ECAP).
Heated Exchange Turns Personal
During the Pressing debate, MP Kraki and journalist Olluri exchanged harsh words, including accusations of lying and references to the use of “Bulgarian train” — a term used for organized electoral fraud. The confrontation prompted immediate intervention by the moderator and other guests to prevent further escalation.
Minister Gërvalla Reacts: “Thug TV, Thug Moderator, Thug Analyst”
Shortly after the incident, Kosovo’s Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla, a member of Kraki’s GUXO movement, took to Facebook to defend her party colleague and attack T7 staff, using unusually strong language.
“Thug television. Thug moderator. Thug mercenary ‘analyst’. But with Prof. Nezir Kraki – it’s all in vain. You can’t do anything to him. Amid your filth, his knowledge and dignity shine. Damn you,” Gërvalla wrote.
Her outburst drew immediate criticism from the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), which described the statement as a direct attack on media freedom.
Moderator Responds: “Pressing Is Not My Personal Platform”
In response to Gërvalla’s remarks, Pressing host Leonard Kerquki issued a statement expressing regret over the confrontation and rejecting the minister’s accusations.
“I deeply regret the situation that arose tonight on Pressing. It was neither provoked nor desired from my side,” Kerquki wrote, adding that all guests were informed of the topic — the alleged vote manipulation in Mitrovica — well in advance.
He noted that Gërvalla had previously been a guest on his show and had been treated “with full respect,” just like any other participant.
“The principle of equal space applies to everyone. Pressing is not my personal platform — it’s a public show for viewers,” he said, concluding that he would not “descend to the level” of the minister’s remarks.
Journalists’ Association: “A Direct Attack on Media Freedom”
The AGK sharply condemned the foreign minister’s comments, warning that such statements by senior government officials “directly undermine press freedom” and contribute to “a climate of intimidation and distrust” toward journalists.
“Media and journalists have a duty to open public debates and ask questions of public interest, while political representatives are obliged to respond with respect for journalistic integrity,” AGK said.
The association warned that this kind of rhetoric, especially coming from members of the government, encourages the stigmatization and targeting of journalists.
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. In recent months, we have witnessed an increase in verbal attacks, threats, and smear campaigns against journalists — including from ministers and MPs,” the statement reads.
AGK called on all public officials to refrain from insults and political labeling, emphasizing that “a democratic society cannot function without free media.”
Media Freedom in Kosovo at a Decade Low
This latest controversy comes amid growing concerns about press freedom in Kosovo.
According to the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Index, Kosovo dropped 24 places, ranking 99th worldwide — its lowest position in a decade and the worst in the region.
Media experts have described the government’s approach to journalists as “increasingly hostile,” citing verbal attacks, SLAPP lawsuits, restricted access to public documents, and physical obstructions of reporters.
The AGK has repeatedly accused Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje government of fostering a climate of hostility toward critical media, pointing to multiple cases of public officials labeling journalists as “foreign agents” or “Serbian collaborators.”
Despite international concern, pressure on the press has reportedly continued — most recently within the public broadcaster RTK, currently mired in internal crisis.
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