OSCE condemns threats against journalist in Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA / VIENNA, 25 October 2016 – The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the threats against Leonard Kërquki, chief editor of Gazeta Express and author of the weekly Zona Express show.

“I condemn the threats and calls for violence against Kërquki. Freedom of expression must be upheld and respected in all circumstances,” said Braathu. “I call on rule of law authorities to investigate these threats immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice.”     

Through its documentary style, the Zona Express explores sensitive topics in Kosovo’s society. The latest edition, broadcast on 23 October 2016, tackled among others crimes against the local Kosovo Serb population. Kërquki has since been the subject of a smear campaign on social media.     

“Threats and violence against journalists constitute an attack on democracy and society as a whole. Members of the media must be able to do their important work in a free and safe manner,” Mijatović said, welcoming the condemnation by the Association of Journalists of Kosovo of the threats against Kërquki.