VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO Four journalists injured in attack

Masked individuals attacked media teams today in the municipality of Leposavić in northern Kosovo. RTK cameraman Bardh Bekteshi was physically assaulted in Leposavić, and his camera was also broken.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) announced that the cameraman sustained serious head and body injuries, Telegrafi reports.

Seems like the madness in north Kosovo has no intention of stopping. Journalists were attacked with stones by protesters in Leposavic today. At least 4 crews were injured, including an RTK cameraman who was kicked after falling while running away: pic.twitter.com/qzFVxV6mZK

— Una Hajdari (@UnaHajdari) June 16, 2023

 

"Media were attacked in Leposavić, RTK cameraman Bardh Bekteshi sustained serious head and body injuries. Media teams from Pristina were targeted by a brutal attack today while doing their job in Leposavić. RTK cameraman Bardh Bekteshi was physically assaulted, as seen in the disturbing footage sent by the teams on the ground to the Association of Journalists of Kosovo," the AGK statement reads.

AGK further adds that, in addition to the physical assault, Bekteshi's camera was also smashed.

In a statement to AGK, journalist Venera Xhoxhaj indicated that protesters threw stones at media teams, Tëvë1, RTV Dukagjini, RTK, Klan Kosova, and KTV.

"They threw stones at us, some colleagues fell while leaving, and our cameraman Bardh Bekteshi was pushed, knocked down, and then physically assaulted, causing him head and body injuries," she said.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo urgently called on the Kosovo Police and the international presence in this municipality to ensure the safety of journalists and cameramen staying in the municipality.