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Journalists Under Siege: S Bunker’s and AJK’s Shadow Campaign
Calls for my death and threats from Rinor Muia, coupled with S Bunker’s smear campaign, highlight the alarming dangers facing journalists in politically charged environments.

2024-Sep-11

In a recent ¹post, the Kosovar Association of Journalists expressed their alarm over calls for the killing of journalists, particularly those directed at S Bunker. First and foremost, I unequivocally condemn any suggestion that journalists should be killed. Such threats are unacceptable, and I support the Kosovar Association of Journalists’ call for a police investigation into these allegations. However, it is crucial for the public to understand that S Bunker is not a news outlet or media organisation; it is an NGO funded by foreign embassies in Kosovo to shape political opinion. The Association’s reaction to this matter smacks of political motivation and indicates that it is serving foreign interests rather than defending press freedom.

To understand the gravity of this situation, one must distinguish between a journalist and an opinion writer.

A journalist is committed to reporting facts, uncovering truths, and presenting information objectively. Their primary role is to inform the public, ensuring that the information is accurate, unbiased, and thoroughly researched. An opinion writer, on the other hand, provides personal viewpoints and interpretations on various issues. While their work may be based on facts, it is inherently subjective, aiming to persuade or influence public opinion rather than simply inform.

S Bunker fits into a different category altogether. It is an NGO funded by foreign entities with the explicit purpose of shaping political opinion and exerting ²pressure on local politics. Unlike a news outlet, which strives for editorial independence and journalistic integrity, S Bunker operates with specific ³agendas influenced by its ⁴funders.

This fundamental difference is crucial: while a news outlet serves the public by providing unbiased information, an NGO like S Bunker serves the interests of its financial backers by promoting certain narratives and policies.

The Kosovar Association of Journalists’ involvement in falsely labeling an NGO group of opinionists as journalists is not only misleading but also dangerous. By doing so, they blur the lines between genuine journalism and politically motivated advocacy. This misrepresentation undermines the public’s trust in journalism, making it harder for people to discern credible news sources from those pushing particular agendas. It also jeopardises the safety of true journalists, who may be unfairly targeted or ⁵discredited by association.

Speaking of threats, in May, I too faced calls for my death on the internet following my investigation into the U.S. diplomats ⁶Richard Grenell and ⁷Gabriel Escobar. Despite making the Association of Journalists of Kosovo aware of this credible threat, I received no support or concern from them. I took the matter to the heavy crime unit of the Kosovar police, only to be met with two officers who insisted I was at fault for the threats against me. My case was summarily dismissed by the prosecutor.

Rinor Muia Calls for Violence, Collaborates with Bardhi Bakija, and Seeks My License Plates.
In the first (left) screenshot, Rinor Muia can be seen calling for me to be shot. In the second screenshot (C), Muia appears to be acquainted with S Bunker’s executive director, Bardhi Bakija, who is orchestrating a smear campaign against me. Muia excitedly informs Bakija that he has successfully arranged for my case to be dropped by the police. On the next screenshot (R) Muia ask for my car License Plates.

In the first screenshot, Rinor Muia can be seen calling for me to be shot. In the second screenshot, Muia appears to be acquainted with S Bunker’s executive director, Bardhi Bakija, who is orchestrating a smear campaign against me funded by the US Government. Muia excitedly informs Bakija that he has successfully arranged for my case to be dropped by the police.
Calls to kill me that AJK and Kosovar Police couldn’t see a good reason to investigate or react.
I informed the Association about this blatant miscarriage of justice, but again, there was no reaction. Why? Perhaps only they could know the answer.

Furthermore, the individual who called for my death online also sought my car license plates to locate me through his connections with state agencies. He boasted online (see screenshot centre above) about being informed by the police that my formal complaint and case against him would be dismissed, and indeed, it was.

The Kosovar Association of Journalists’ indifference to these threats speaks volumes. They appear to care little about the safety of journalists who do not align with their political agenda. In my view, any international organisation that places its trust in the Association is setting itself up for credibility suicide. This is a stark reminder that the defence of press freedom must be unwavering and free from political manipulation. The Kosovar Association of Journalists has demonstrated that their loyalties lie elsewhere, leaving journalists to fend for themselves in the face of danger.

The role of a journalists’ association is to protect and advocate for the rights and safety of journalists, ensuring the integrity and freedom of the press. When such an organisation becomes entangled in political motivations and starts misrepresenting entities like S Bunker as legitimate media outlets, it undermines its very purpose. It becomes a tool for political influence rather than a defender of press freedom, eroding public trust and endangering the lives of genuine journalists.