Attacks on media outlets and organizations Betimi për Drejtësi, Prishtinë, 02.04.2026
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) condemns the obstruction of the Betimi për Drejtësi monitoring team while carrying out their professional duties during a court hearing by lawyer Besnik Berisha, President of the Kosovo Bar Association.
According to the outlet’s report, Mr. Berisha removed and stopped the monitors’ audio recorder during a break in a court session in which he was acting as defense counsel for an accused individual.
AJK strongly condemns this unprecedented and unacceptable interference with media work by a lawyer during a public hearing. It stresses that only the presiding judges have the authority to decide on media presence and recording in court proceedings.
AJK calls on Mr. Berisha to respect the work of journalists and trial monitors reporting on hearings of public interest.
AJK also urges judges to ensure that, in public hearings, journalists are able to work freely and without obstruction from any party.
Photo: Betimi për Drejtësi
| Reporter Details | Attacks on media outlets and organizations Betimi për Drejtësi, Prishtinë, 02.04.2026 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) condemns the obstruction of the Betimi për Drejtësi monitoring team while carrying out their professional duties during a court hearing by lawyer Besnik Berisha, President of the Kosovo Bar Association. According to the outlet’s report, Mr. Berisha removed and stopped the monitors’ audio recorder during a break in a court session in which he was acting as defense counsel for an accused individual. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | Betimi për Drejtësi |
| Gender | Group |
| Date | 2.4.2026 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Attacks on media outlets and organizations |
| From who | By public persons |
| The Offender / Suspect | Besnik Berisha, kryetar i Odës së Avokatëve të Kosovës |
| Type of media | Online |
| Media Name | Betimi për Drejtësi |
| Source | Betimi për Drejtësi |
| 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 unprecedented and unacceptable interference with media work by a lawyer during a public hearing. It stresses that only the presiding judges have the authority to decide on media presence and recording in court proceedings. AJK calls on Mr. Berisha to respect the work of journalists and trial monitors reporting on hearings of public interest. AJK also urges judges to ensure that, in public hearings, journalists are able to work freely and without obstruction from any party. |