Press freedom 2009

The South East European Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent attack on a group of journalists from TV Besa in the Kosovo municipality of Prizren.

On 7 December 2009, the TV Besa journalists were reporting on the election campaign in Prizren when they were verbally assaulted by an advisor working for the municipal assembly in Prizren, who shouted threats against the group and demanded that they stop reporting at once. The incident almost escalated into a physical fight, but this was prevented because there were more journalists from other media present at the event.

The incident was reported to the Kosovo authorities, but so far there have been no further results.

Commenting on the incident, Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General, said: "SEEMO strongly believes that media have an important duty to inform the public about activities in their local communities." Vujovic continued: "Persons working as public's officials should be especially open and cooperative in communicating with journalists. Those with legitimate complaints against the media can pursue these complaints through a range of different mechanisms. However, attacking journalists is unacceptable".

"SEEMO strongly condemns the attack on the TV Besa journalists, as well as all activities which restrict the work and free movement of journalists. The local authorities and the police must do everything in their power to provide safe working conditions for journalists."