The U.S. State Department reported that Kosova’s government has taken limited steps to investigate and punish officials who violate human rights. The Kosova Journalists Association faced smear campaigns from government officials and political leaders. Attacks included pressure, threats, cyberattacks, and financial offers for favorable reporting.

Kosova dropped to 99th in the World Press Freedom Index, marking its largest decline in 15 years. This is the second consecutive year of decline, making Kosova the worst-ranked country in the Western Balkans and the EU.

The report also mentioned the struck-down law on the Independent Media Commission, which had included online media licensing and oversight. The Independent Media Commission regulates broadcast frequencies, while the Kosova Journalists Association and the Council of Written Media operate as nonprofit and self-regulatory bodies.

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