The Albanian Journalists’ Union (AJU) strongly condemns the detention and criminal charges against Nexhat Behluli, a local media leader and commentator from Bujanoc. The Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Prishtina took action over Behluli’s free speech, which AJU calls ill-considered.

AJU sees this measure as extreme and rare, especially in how Kosova’s justice treats journalists from the Presheva Valley living under Serbian administration.

The Union stresses this case involves an Albanian journalist from a minority community in a neighboring country. Before legal action, disciplinary steps should come from community self-regulatory bodies and journalist organizations, following Kosova law.

AJU urges Kosova’s justice system to consider the unique situation of media representatives from the Presheva Valley.

The Union also calls for respect of ethical standards and responsibility in public communication, especially in media disputes involving Behluli and Kosova journalists or online platforms.

They warn this case sets a harmful precedent for Albanian journalists working across the Albanian and Western Balkan media space.

AJU hopes authorities handle this case with legal maturity and responsibility. They call for a swift resolution that protects free speech while upholding the responsibility and value of public and media discourse.

/a.p./