Other threats to journalists, Xhezair Dashi, Prishtinë, 09.07.2025
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) strongly condemns the threatening and intimidating language used by Vetëvendosje MP-elect Nezir Kraki against Nacionale journalist Xhezair Dashi. The journalist had sent Kraki questions regarding his doctoral studies in France, to which Kraki responded with a warning, suggesting that asking such questions could “get him into trouble.” In an audio message, Kraki can be heard telling Dashi that “people neither forget nor forgive.”
The full message states:
“You have no idea how France works. You don’t understand anything about this matter, and now you think you can dig into it. As we say in Junik: ‘Sit in front of the oxen, sit in front of the oxen, man.’ Even a lie, even slander, can come back to bite you one day, you understand? A lie for free. Because people don’t forget, and they don’t forgive. That’s it!”
AJK strongly condemns this threatening and unacceptable rhetoric from an elected official directed at a journalist. We call on Mr. Kraki to issue a public apology to both the journalist and the newsroom, and to provide the requested information transparently.
Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work serving the public interest freely, without pressure or intimidation.
| Reporter Details | Other threats to journalists, Xhezair Dashi, Prishtinë, 09.07.2025 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) strongly condemns the threatening and intimidating language used by Vetëvendosje MP-elect Nezir Kraki against Nacionale journalist Xhezair Dashi. The journalist had sent Kraki questions regarding his doctoral studies in France, to which Kraki responded with a warning, suggesting that asking such questions could “get him into trouble.” In an audio message, Kraki can be heard telling Dashi that “people neither forget nor forgive.” The full message states: “You have no idea how France works. You don’t understand anything about this matter, and now you think you can dig into it. As we say in Junik: ‘Sit in front of the oxen, sit in front of the oxen, man.’ Even a lie, even slander, can come back to bite you one day, you understand? A lie for free. Because people don’t forget, and they don’t forgive. That’s it!” |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | Xhezair Dashi |
| Gender | Male |
| Date | 9.7.2025 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Other threats to journalists |
| From who | By public persons |
| The Offender / Suspect | Nezir Kraki, MP |
| Type of media | Online |
| Media Name | Nacionale |
| Source | Nacionale |
| Public Prosecutor | |
| Judiciary | |
| Judiciary Status | |
| Legal Closure | |
| Has the Journalist Association been notified? | Yes |
| Has the incident been reported to the authorities? | |
| Has the incident been reported to the XXX? | |
| Associations Respond | AJK strongly condemns this threatening and unacceptable rhetoric from an elected official directed at a journalist. We call on Mr. Kraki to issue a public apology to both the journalist and the newsroom, and to provide the requested information transparently. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work serving the public interest freely, without pressure or intimidation. |