UNMIK on the denial of accreditation to Kosovo Online: Authorities should allow journalists to work without obstruction

Following the denial of accreditation to Kosovo Online and RTS for coverage of the constituent session of the Kosovo Assembly, UNMIK stated that the relevant authorities should fulfil their obligations regarding media freedom by allowing journalists to carry out their professional duties without obstruction.

“We emphasise the importance of ensuring fair, transparent and non-discriminatory access for accredited media to report on public institutions and events, in accordance with the applicable procedures and standards,” UNMIK said in a response to Kosovo Online.

The statement also notes that pluralistic and independent media are an essential foundation of democratic governance and public trust.

“We encourage the relevant authorities to fulfil their obligations regarding media freedom by allowing journalists to carry out their professional duties without obstruction,” UNMIK said.

Yesterday, the Kosovo Assembly denied certain media outlets reporting in the Serbian language the opportunity to cover the constituent session, despite the fact that they had submitted complete accreditation documentation properly and on time.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo also reacted, stating that media access to public institutions is a key component of media freedom and access to information.

The Chief Deputy Ombudsman of Kosovo, Srdjan Sentic, stated that the relevant authorities should ensure that accreditation procedures are based on clear, objective and non-discriminatory criteria.

The Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS), together with its branch in Kosovo, expressed its protest over the Kosovo Assembly's decision. The President of the Journalists' Association of Kosovo and Metohija (DNKiM), Ivana Vanovac, said that denying accreditation to Kosovo Online and RTS for coverage of the constituent session of the Kosovo Assembly was unacceptable and assessed that the institutions have a dismissive attitude toward media outlets reporting in the Serbian language.