The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) is facing a dangerous smear campaign together with its Board Chair, Xhemajl Rexha, by the largest political party MPs, following Kosovo’s significant decline in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Some MPs suggested that they know who provided the information to the RSF (alluding to AJK).
Rather than acknowledging and reflecting on the alarming 24-place drop—which positions Kosovo below all countries in the region and alongside states with longstanding records of censorship and violence against journalists—elected officials from the ruling party, Lëvizja Vetëvendosje, have launched a public campaign aiming to discredit AJK and shift the blame onto its leadership.
Xhemajl Rexha, a journalist with over two decades of professional experience, has served for the past four years as the Chair of AJK’s Board, working tirelessly to protect journalists and promote freedom of expression in Kosovo.
Newly elected MP Arbëresha Hyseni Kryeziu has made unacceptable personal accusations against Rexha, while fellow MPs Valon Ramadani and Arjeta Fejza have publicly targeted AJK as an organization. These attacks represent a deeply troubling effort to silence and intimidate a leading voice for press freedom in the country.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on Vetëvendosje representatives to immediately halt their attacks on journalists and civil society representatives, and to address the worsening situation for media freedom in Kosovo with the seriousness it demands. Press freedom and the protection of journalists are not partisan issues—they are foundational pillars of any democratic society.
The SafeJournalists Network stands in solidarity with AJK and its leadership, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform relevant national and international stakeholders.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on the public interest, democracy, and the rights of all citizens.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 2.5.2025
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
