In a public reaction on Friday, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo expressed concern over the use of degrading and sexist language against women public officials. The OSCE Mission stated that all public officials have a duty to uphold their dignity and promote an environment where women can participate safely and equally in political processes.

“Such rhetoric undermines efforts to prevent violence against women in politics and stands contrary to international standards promoting equal participation and respectful public discourse,” the OSCE Mission’s statement reads.

The OSCE did not clarify which case it was referring to, but the overall consensus is that it was connected to remarks made on Thursday by Skenderaj’s elected mayor, Sami Lushtaku, about the LVV MP Adriana Matoshi.

Lushtaku publicly compared Matoshi to “someone coming out of a brothel,” following her accusations that he had purchased land for 50 euros per acre and later sold it for 5,000 euros per acre.

“That is Ms. Matoshi’s level—as if she comes out of a brothel—not like someone who is an MP and takes responsibility for what she says,” Lushtaku told the media, on December 4, after being sworn in as mayor.

 “She speaks to citizens, so I think Ms. Matoshi, as well as other women and men, should be very careful about what they say,” he added.

As Kosovo marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the OSCE recalled that, “commitments from the Declaration on Eliminating All Forms of Violence Against Women in Politics and Public Life in Kosovo, [call] for dignified public communication and zero tolerance for intimidation or harassment of women in political and public life.”

Lushtaku’s remarks fueled widespread public criticism.

MP Matoshi, a renowned award winning actress, responded on social media, condemning the language used by Lushtaku.

She highlighted that people relate her to, “how I write, act in films and theatre, win awards across the world, and how with my work and effort I take care of my parents and children,” highlighting the accusations that Lushtaku “bought land after the war for 50 euros per acre and sold it for 5,000” euros per acre.

The Kosovo Women’s Network also issued a public statement on Thursday denouncing Lushtaku’s comments as sexist, derogatory, and unacceptable.

 “We strongly condemn the degrading, sexist, and entirely unacceptable language used against MP Adriana Matoshi by Sami Lushtaku. Such personal attacks not only offend a woman elected by citizens, but harm all women participating in public and political life,” the organisation stated.

Several LVV MPs and former ministers condemned the language used by Lushtaku as well.