The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the reckless and very dangerous statements made by Sami Kurteshi, a member of the ruling Vetëvendosje party in Kosovo’s Central Election Commission, against the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) and the media in Kosovo.

Mr. Kurteshi labeled AGK as an “Alliance of Criminal Groups” and referred to journalists and several media outlets as “contract killers.” These statements followed AGK’s public condemnation of his behavior toward journalists after a CEC meeting a day earlier.

The SafeJournalists Network considers these statements extremely inflammatory and baseless, putting AGK, journalists, and media outlets at real risk while performing their professional duties. This is not the first time Mr. Kurteshi has targeted the media with language inappropriate for the important position he holds.

The SafeJournalists Network calls on acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his political party, Vetëvendosje, to put an end, once and for all, to this harmful practice.

The SafeJournalists Network expresses full support and solidarity with our member, AGK, which must be able to carry out its mission of promoting the security and safety of Kosovo’s journalists in a pressure-free environment.

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

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, December 4, 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