The non-governmental organization Aktiv informs the public that the Press Council of Kosovo
(PCK) has confirmed violations of basic journalistic standards, including truth reporting, as well
as the right of reply, by several Albanian-language media outlets regarding the article titled
“Kuçi: A hybrid war is being waged in the north to weaken Kosovo institutions”, published on
May 18, 2025.
As stated by the PCK: “The PCK partially upheld the complaint of the NGO Aktiv against
Kosovapress.com, Telegrafi.com, Botasot.info, Njeshi.com and Diasporashqiptare.al over the
article titled ‘Kuçi: A hybrid war is being waged in the north to weaken Kosovo institutions’,
finding that Chapters II and IV of the Kosovo Press Code were violated, dealing with truthfulness
and the right of reply, but not Chapter III, which addresses incitement and hate speech.”
We welcome the PCK’s decision to confirm the breach of the right to truth reporting and the
right of reply. At the same time, we emphasize that the disputed article contains serious,
unfounded, and inflammatory allegations made by Gurakuç Kuçi of the so-called “Institute for
Hybrid Warfare Octopus”, falsely linking our organization to “hybrid warfare”, terrorism, and
the delegitimization of the Kosovo Police. Especially dangerous is the insinuation that NGO
Aktiv is connected to the armed clash in Banjska in September 2023.
Although the PCK did not confirm a violation of Chapter III regarding hate speech, we believe
that the allegations in question bear all the hallmarks of social and institutional persecution,
with potentially serious consequences for the safety of our members and the professional
integrity of our organization.
We take this opportunity to remind all media outlets of their obligation to adhere to
professional and ethical journalistic standards, to report truth, with responsibility and verified
facts, while respecting the dignity of all actors. Freedom of expression must not be used as an
excuse for spreading disinformation, targeting individuals, or undermining public trust in civil
society.
The decision of the PCK is available on its official website:
Serbian: https://tinyurl.com/2759w2wb
Albanian: https://tinyurl.com/3w6853th
