Skopje, 22 October 2021 – The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services condemns the mayoral candidate of the “Alliance for Albanians” party in Tetovo Vulnet Murseli’s attempt at discrediting a reporter of the KLAN national television channel, as well as the inappropriate conduct of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani towards a journalist of this same television station.
Everyone – politicians and holders of public offices in particular – should be aware of the responsibility they have for what they state in public and for their conduct towards the media workers whose primary role is to inform the public. Any attempt at discrediting or tarnishing journalists’ reputation violates the principles of the rule of law and undermines the freedom of information.
Freedom of the media and respect for the journalistic profession are key to fulfilling the media’s role in keeping the public informed and in the development of democracy.