The SafeJournalists Network expresses deep concern regarding the repeated violations of media freedom and the arbitrary actions taken against Paparaci cameraman, Jetmir Muji, by the close protection unit of President Vjosa Osmani and the Kosovo Police. 

On September 10, Muji was physically stopped by the President’s close protection while filming enviroment for the purposes of preparing the journalistic report near a private school attended by President Osmani’s daughters. He was unlawfully held, had his camera confiscated, and was pressured to delete footage.

Later, Muji was arbitrarily arrested and detained at the Central Police Station in Prishtina, despite conducting professional journalistic work in a public space. No minors were filmed at any stage. Only the vehicles of Kosovo Police standing by at school were filmed. The news portal was doing a story on why Osmani decided to change her daughter’s school from public to private, and what were the financial conditions of the new school. The footage would be general and close up, without revealing the location of their new school.

The disproportionate measures taken by Kosovo Police are unacceptable and illegal, and  represent a direct interference with journalistic work and a violation of citizens’ right to be informed. Reporting on where children of state leaders attend school, respecting the ethical rules on minor, remains a legitimate matter of public interest. Any obstruction of this right is censorship and an attack on media freedom. Following several hours of unlawful detention, a prosecutor ordered Muji’s release, confirming that no criminal offense had been committed, since the filming occurred in a public area. Instead of distancing herself from these actions, President Osmani issued a public statement targeting journalists, accusing them of “dangerous and unlawful persecution” and suggesting that some are involved in “illegal activities.” Such rhetoric constitutes public intimidation of journalists by the head of state, raising serious concerns about misuse of power and access to security information.

“We are outraged by the arrest of Jetmir, and his unlawful detention in a Police station where he was held for several hours without an order from Prosecution. This is a blatant violation of media freedoms and the right of people to be informed on matters of public interest. The subsequent comments and attacks of President Osmani and First Gentleman, Prindon Sadriu against media are deplorable, and tell about the extent of immense pressure against journalists by those in power”, Xhemajl Rexha, Chairperson of AJK, says.

The SafeJournalists Network emphasizes that these developments represent a serious threat to media freedom in Kosovo and set a dangerous precedent where journalists risk criminalization for doing their job. We demand accountability from the Kosovo Police and the President’s close protection unit for the unlawful detention and abuse of Muji, an independent investigation by the Police Inspectorate of Kosovo (IPK), and that President Osmani immediately stop undemocratic practices of targeting the media and ensure full respect for press freedom, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Kosovo.The SafeJournalists Network stands in full solidarity with our colleague Jetmir Muji.

Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.

Prishtina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, September 11, 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

The source: IJAS

Foto by: Canva