Newsroom
Kosovo Temporary Media Commissioner sanctions BOTA SOT
PRISTINA 1 December 2000
PRISTINA, 1 December 2000 - The following decision sanctioning the Kosovo newspaper Bota Sot was issued today by the Temporary Media Commissioner:
"This decision follows the findings of the Media Hearings Board (MHB) of 13 November, that Bota Sot had violated UNMIK Regulation 2000/37 Section 4.1 and its associated Code of Conduct in both cases. In accordance with the authority granted to me under UMIK Regulations 2000/36 and 2000/37; and accepting the findings of the MHB; consistent with the principles of reasonableness and proportionality; and taking into account factors relating to the financial situation of Bota Sot, the need to deter future similar violations and the current atmosphere of violence in Kosovo, I hereby require the owners and operators of Bota Sot to pay the following fines:
"By publishing on 4 September 2000 an article entitled, "Why Was Osman Ismali Allowed to Become A Policeman" in a context that resulted in his fear of injury the sum of DEM 25,000.
"By publishing on 11 September 2000 in an article entitled, "This is Who Planned The Death of Bujar Bukoshi" the name of Rexhep Selimi in a context that resulted in his fear of injury the sum of DEM 25,000.
"Upon deciding to impose a fine I have taken into account the various warnings that Bota Sot had already received through correspondence and meetings with me and representatives of my office concerning these cases. I had made suggestions as to possible remedies including the publication of corrections and/or apologies. This advice was not followed. As a consequence I have concluded that fines are now appropriate."
For further information contact Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel.: +381 38 500 162 or by e-mail: press@omik.org. Additional information on website: www.osce.org/kosovo
"This decision follows the findings of the Media Hearings Board (MHB) of 13 November, that Bota Sot had violated UNMIK Regulation 2000/37 Section 4.1 and its associated Code of Conduct in both cases. In accordance with the authority granted to me under UMIK Regulations 2000/36 and 2000/37; and accepting the findings of the MHB; consistent with the principles of reasonableness and proportionality; and taking into account factors relating to the financial situation of Bota Sot, the need to deter future similar violations and the current atmosphere of violence in Kosovo, I hereby require the owners and operators of Bota Sot to pay the following fines:
"By publishing on 4 September 2000 an article entitled, "Why Was Osman Ismali Allowed to Become A Policeman" in a context that resulted in his fear of injury the sum of DEM 25,000.
"By publishing on 11 September 2000 in an article entitled, "This is Who Planned The Death of Bujar Bukoshi" the name of Rexhep Selimi in a context that resulted in his fear of injury the sum of DEM 25,000.
"Upon deciding to impose a fine I have taken into account the various warnings that Bota Sot had already received through correspondence and meetings with me and representatives of my office concerning these cases. I had made suggestions as to possible remedies including the publication of corrections and/or apologies. This advice was not followed. As a consequence I have concluded that fines are now appropriate."
For further information contact Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission in Kosovo, tel.: +381 38 500 162 or by e-mail: press@omik.org. Additional information on website: www.osce.org/kosovo