The SafeJournalists Network expresses deep concern regarding the arbitrary suspension of six journalists from the public broadcaster RTK.
Blerta Foniqi Kabashi, Meneta Zekaj Nushi, Arton Mulliqi, Edona Musa-Mustafa, Jehona Zhitia, and Valon Bajrami were informed without prior notice that they are suspended from moderating the prime informative magazines at 17:00 and 23:00. This decision by RTK’s management, which is entirely political and affiliated with those in power, comes shortly after the journalists raised their voices about the late payment of their July salaries, which were only issued on August 22 due to the Assembly’s failure to approve RTK’s budget.
This unprecedented act of censorship represents a direct punishment for the journalists’ professional and politically independent work, as well as their public stance on delayed salaries. It also illustrates the continuous pressure exerted on RTK by the acting government, further undermining media freedom and independence of the Public Broadcaster.
“By getting these 6 journalists off air, unfortunately the current management of the Public Broadcaster RTK is continuing its policy of favor towards the current Government and the ruling Vetevendosje,” said Xhemajl Rexha, Chair of the AJK Board. “AJK sees these actions as a blatant attempt to silence the 6 journalists for their dedicated, professional work, free of political pressure and intimidation coming from the Government through the Management. We ask from the acting General Director to rescind the decision, and allow journalists and all RTK employees to do their job in the best of public interest.”
Such actions are unacceptable. They attempt to silence critical voices, foster fear among media workers, and weaken the role of RTK as a service to the public interest. The SafeJournalists Network stands in full solidarity with our colleagues and calls on RTK’s management to immediately reverse this arbitrary decision and allow journalists and editors to perform their duties free from political interference.
Every act of censorship against journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Prishtina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, August 27, 2025
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
Source: SafeJournalists
