Through this letter, HRN calls on Kosovar media to adopt a victim-centered approach in their reporting on gender-based violence.

The case featured by Klan Kosova on the program “Kosova Today,” in which a woman decides to publicly share her experiences of gender-based violence, and later on the same tv program, the alleged perpetrator is invited and given a television platform, is a highly risky practice of re-victimizing victims of violence.

Although we understand the importance of the presumption of innocence principle, the presence of individuals alleged to be perpetrators seeking exoneration in a medium increases the risk of further stigmatization of victims and exposes them to continued verbal attacks.

The publication of clips with such testimonies on the “Kosova Today” in Klan Kosova increased hate speech and denigrating language against women on social networks, leading to ongoing victim blaming.

Therefore, HRN calls on Kosovar media to professionally handle reports on gender-based violence by placing victims at the center and safeguarding their integrity and dignity.

Additionally, HRN calls on Klan Kosova to remove from all online platforms the television clip featuring the alleged perpetrator seeking exoneration and to ensure that other television materials do not amplify hate speech and denigration against women and other vulnerable groups.

Members of the Human Rights Network:

Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS)

HANDIKOS

Center for Equality and Liberty (CEL Kosova)

Kosovo Law Institute (KLI)

Kosovo Center for Gender Studies (KCGS)

Voice of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians (VoRAE)

New Social Initiative (NSI)