Subject: Non-accreditation of Serbian-language and other media for the 12 October elections
The SafeJournalists Network and partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), expresses deep concern over the decision of the Central Election Commission of Kosovo (KQZ) to reject accreditation requests from Serbian-language media outlets, as well as several Albanian-language and international media, for monitoring and reporting on the 12 October local elections.
According to information from the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), dozens of Serbian-language outlets registered and operating in Kosovo were refused accreditation en bloc at a KQZ session. In addition, multiple Albanian-language outlets were also denied, reportedly without clear justification.
According to one of the decisions analysed by the Safe Journalist network, the decision clearly states that the documentation is in order and that the media outlet has met all required criteria. However, some members of the CEC voted against accreditation under the suspicion of the “authenticity of the media” and the “origin of the documents.” The phrases “authenticity of the media” and “origin of the documents” do not have any legal meaning.
This decision raises serious concerns about political and ethnic discrimination, contrary to Kosovo’s constitutional guarantees, its official language regime (Albanian and Serbian), and international standards on freedom of expression, media freedom, and the right of all citizens, regardless of language or ethnicity, to receive timely, accurate, and impartial information in their official language. Serbian-language outlets are legally registered (as businesses or NGOs) under Kosovo law; obstructing their work undermines both media freedom and the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
Free, fair, and inclusive media coverage is indispensable to the legitimacy of elections and to public trust in democratic institutions. Excluding media on linguistic or other improper grounds damages pluralism and weakens the public’s ability to make informed choices.
We request that the Central Election Commission (KQZ) provide a detailed explanation regarding this decision-making process. Furthermore, we urge its members to refrain from using their authority to censor the media or take actions that undermine media freedom in Kosovo.
Ensuring transparency and upholding the principles of free and independent journalism are essential to a democratic society, especially during elections, when access to information is crucial.
We also hope that the Election Complaints and Appeals Panel (PZAP) will treat this case with urgency and ensure that media outlets are able to fully participate in election coverage.
The SafeJournalists Network and MFRR will continue to monitor developments and, if these restrictive measures remain, will report them to the EU, OSCE, Council of Europe, and United Nations.
We remain available for dialogue and stand ready to provide any additional information.
Respectfully,
SafeJournalists Network
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)
Free Press Unlimited
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Find the letter here.
