Attack against journalist in Priština condemned

Source: B92

VIENNA -- An OSCE representative on Freedom of the Media has condemned the physical assault in Priština against journalist Halil Matoshi.

He is a columnist with the Albanian language daily Koha Ditore, known for his investigative reporting and criticism against politicians and public officials.
“This attack could have proved fatal to the journalist. I am glad that Halil Matoshi managed to fend off his assailants,” OSCE's Dunja Mijatović said.

Matoshi was attacked on the evening of July 10 by three unidentified men when leaving a cultural event in Priština.

He managed to escape and was later treated in a hospital.

“Violence against journalists is an attack against free expression and the society as a whole, and I strongly condemn all such acts," Mijatović was quoted as saying in an OSCE statement.

SEEMO condemns incident

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organization (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), also condemned the incident.

The organization said in its statement on Thursday that Matoshi was attacked as he returned home. One of the aggressors pulled out a knife but he managed to avoid serious injury.

The police said they were investigating the assault with the aim of identifying those responsible.

“I call on the police to find the perpetrators as soon as possible and bring them to justice,” said SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujović.