Editor-in-chief of Zeri daily newspaper and journalist Arbana Xharra claimed to have received a threat on Monday. Unknown vandals painted a cross with red paint next to her apartment entrance and in the parking garage. The journalist, a fervent critic of violent extremism, published a few pictures from the scene and said that this was an effort to frighten her. She demanded that the case be investigated.

“For a long time you have tried to frighten me, to seal my lips. I am a human too, I have a family, I know fear. But, surprisingly, fear gives me courage and motivates me, it gives me the strength to move forward and not stop. Only you know why you painted these crosses in a color that resembles blood. I hope that law enforcement will find you, catch you and punish you. The public and socio-political lynching by many people, which I have been subject to lately, has heartened cowards to come to my door and you are responsible together with them,” Xharra said in her Facebook post.

Later in the day, the Association of Kosovo Journalists, AGK, released a statement expressing its concern about the recent threat against  Xharra.

“The Association of Kosovo Journalists will pay close attention to this case while requesting a quick and efficient investigation by law enforcement authorities,” the association stated in a press release.