OSCE strongly condemns attempted murder of journalist in Kosovo

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA/VIENNA, 27 October 2014 – Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović, today strongly condemned the attempted murder of Klan Kosova TV station journalist, Milot Hasimja.

“I am shocked and appalled by today’s attack on Hasimja,” said Schlumberger. “Journalists should be free and safe to conduct their work and today’s attack is absolutely unacceptable. I call on the justice system to deal with this case as soon as possible and prosecute the perpetrator.”

Hasimja was stabbed, at Klan Kosova offices, in the head and neck several times. Hasimja published a story several years ago, which was allegedly cause of the attack. Klan Kosova staff managed to overpower the perpetrator until the police took over.

“Violence against journalists is unacceptable and should be treated as an attack against society as a whole. Journalists’ safety must be ensured in order for members of the media to do their work,” Mijatović said.

Schlumberger and Mijatović wish Hasimja speedy recovery.