In a reaction issued on Tuesday, BIRN and Internews Kosova stated that Prishtina Chief Prosecutor Zejnullah Gashi’s statement, published through the Kosovo Prosecutorial System’s official channels, in relation to a BIRN investigation on his conduct, contained false claims, defamatory content, and constitutes clear pressure on independent journalism. They warned of legal action if the statement is not removed.

The case follows an investigation published on KALLXO.com on May 26 that reported on Gashi’s visit to the office of former Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu and allegations that he sought to explain actions linked to a corruption case under investigation at the time.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Gashi said recent publications by BIRN and KALLXO.com contained “unfounded allegations that harmed his professional integrity and created a false public perception.”

He also said the matter “had already been reviewed and closed by competent institutions because there were no legal grounds for further action.”

BIRN and Internews Kosova noted that Gashi had “repeatedly been invited to comment” on the reporting through phone calls, emails, and direct meetings but declined interview requests and did not answer journalists’ questions.

The organisations also rejected Gashi’s claim that the reporting lacked factual basis, saying the reporting relied on official prosecution documents, statements from Haxhiu, and responses from relevant institutions.

“This warning has been issued in accordance with the standards of the Civil Law Against Defamation and Insult, and in the event of immediate inaction, we will file a lawsuit before the competent court in accordance with applicable legal procedures,” the organisations stated.

According to BIRN’s reporting, a Kosovo Police file submitted to the Special Prosecution includes testimony from Haxhiu alleging that Gashi visited her office in 2021 and discussed a corruption investigation involving Lavdim Krasniqi, former head of the Secretariat of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council.

Haxhiu, who was questioned in July 2024, had stated that, “He told me: ‘I have heard rumours that Lavdim Krasniqi is being prosecuted because of your grudge. But I am not doing this because of your grudge.’”

Haxhiu also told police that approximately two hours after the meeting, she read media reports stating that Krasniqi’s pre-trial detention had been lifted at the request of prosecutor Gashi.

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