The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the online harassment and gender-based digital violence targeting investigative journalist Ardiana Thaçi-Mehmeti in Kosovo.
According to available information, Thaçi-Mehmeti’s personal data, including her phone number and photos, were unlawfully shared in a Discord group with around 70,000 members, where participants encouraged others to contact her. As a result, the journalist received dozens of explicit sexual messages and images late last night. Such actions represent a serious form of gender-based online harassment and an attempt to intimidate and silence a journalist because of her professional work.
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo and the Network of Women Journalists of Kosovo reacted immediately. This morning, AJK Executive Director Getoarbë Mulliqi, together with journalist Ardiana Thaçi-Mehmeti and AJK’s legal representative Yll Zekaj, reported the case to the Cybercrime Unit of the Kosovo Police. The case has also been brought to the attention of the Prosecution.
“We stand in full solidarity with Ardiana who has had repeated targeted campaigns of online abuse from these groups because of her reporting. AJK is working very closely with the Police and the Prosecution to push for swift and decisive action for this horrible practice to stop once and for all,” said Xhemajl Rexha, Chair of the AJK Board.
SafeJournalists Network notes that this is the third time in the past two years that Thaçi-Mehmeti has faced online harassment and sexual threats.
Repeated targeting of journalists, particularly women journalists, represents a serious threat to media freedom and freedom of expression.
SafeJournalists Network calls on the Kosovo Police and the Prosecutor’s Office to urgently investigate the case, identify those responsible, and ensure accountability.
SafeJournalists Network stands in full solidarity with Ardiana Thaçi-Mehmeti and will continue to monitor the case closely. We will inform relevant national and international actors about this case.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, March 13, 2026
Association of BH journalists
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Macedonian Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
