Other threats to journalists Hateme Smajli and Infokus, Prishtinë, 29.06.2026
The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) has been informed of an organized campaign of attacks, pressure, and defamation targeting journalist Hateme Smajli and the newsroom where she works, Gazeta Infokus.
The campaign follows the publication of a series of investigative reports concerning the privatization of land in the Municipality of Ferizaj, in which, according to the reporting, the Ramadani family of Vetëvendosje MP-elect Valon Ramadani is implicated. As reported by the outlet, the threats have been made both on social media and through phone calls to the newsroom.
AJK strongly condemns this unacceptable campaign, which aims to intimidate Smajli and prevent her from continuing her investigative work. Such campaigns against journalists are a direct attempt to undermine media freedom and hinder the media’s ability to hold institutions and powerful individuals at both the local and central levels accountable.
AJK calls on MP-elect Valon Ramadani to distance himself from these threats and not become part of a campaign that intimidates journalists. As a public official entrusted with an important mandate, Ramadani should be prepared to answer all questions openly and transparently.
Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work freely and without interference. AJK expresses its full support for journalist Smajli and the Gazeta Infokus newsroom in continuing to produce reporting that serves the public interest.
| Reporter Details | Other threats to journalists Hateme Smajli and Infokus, Prishtinë, 29.06.2026 |
|---|---|
| Case description | The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) has been informed of an organized campaign of attacks, pressure, and defamation targeting journalist Hateme Smajli and the newsroom where she works, Gazeta Infokus. The campaign follows the publication of a series of investigative reports concerning the privatization of land in the Municipality of Ferizaj, in which, according to the reporting, the Ramadani family of Vetëvendosje MP-elect Valon Ramadani is implicated. As reported by the outlet, the threats have been made both on social media and through phone calls to the newsroom. |
| State | Kosovo |
| Name and Surname | Hateme Smajli |
| Gender | Female |
| Date | 29.6.2026 |
| City | Prishtinë |
| Type of Incident | Other threats to journalists |
| From who | By public persons |
| The Offender / Suspect | Valon Ramadani - deputet |
| Type of media | Online |
| Media Name | |
| Source | Gazeta Infokus |
| 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 unacceptable campaign, which aims to intimidate Smajli and prevent her from continuing her investigative work. Such campaigns against journalists are a direct attempt to undermine media freedom and hinder the media’s ability to hold institutions and powerful individuals at both the local and central levels accountable. AJK calls on MP-elect Valon Ramadani to distance himself from these threats and not become part of a campaign that intimidates journalists. As a public official entrusted with an important mandate, Ramadani should be prepared to answer all questions openly and transparently. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work freely and without interference. AJK expresses its full support for journalist Smajli and the Gazeta Infokus newsroom in continuing to produce reporting that serves the public interest. |