The Kosovo Journalists’ Association (AGK) has expressed deep concern after the discovery of a tracking device on the vehicle of journalist Vehbi Kajtazi, describing the incident as “unprecedented.” Kajtazi, the editor-in-chief of the news portal Paparaci, reportedly found a GPS tracking device on his car during a routine vehicle inspection.
The device has since been handed over to Kosovo Police (KP) for investigation. Preliminary findings confirm it is a GPS tracking device, KP sources told Paparaci. This discovery has raised serious alarm among the journalistic community in Kosovo, especially given Kajtazi’s prior concerns.
A week prior to this discovery, Kajtazi reportedly expressed suspicions that the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (KIA) might be monitoring his movements. According to sources, he had already notified relevant authorities about his concerns.
In a strongly worded statement, AGK condemned the incident, calling it a threat to journalists’ safety and freedom of press. “We consider this an unprecedented case,” AGK stated. “We urge security bodies to conduct a thorough investigation and clarify the circumstances of this disturbing event.”
AGK has pledged to closely monitor the investigation and ensure that any findings are transparently communicated. They emphasized the importance of addressing the issue swiftly to guarantee the safety and freedom of journalists in Kosovo.
This tracking GPS device was found today in the car of journalist @vehbikajtazi, director of the Paparaci news portal. Kajtazi has been critical of Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his Vetëvendosje! party for allegedly misusing the Kosovo Intelligence Agency to spy on reporters who… pic.twitter.com/fOkZqpKdgf
— Adriatik Kelmendi (@adriatikk) October 31, 2024
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
