The European Federation of Journalists has called on the Kosovo government to explain a ban on journalist Svetlana Vukmirovic from entering the country.
Vukmirovic, a Serbian journalist, has been denied entry to the country on working visits multiple times since 2018. The last time she was denied entry was on 1 May.
“It’s just unbelievable that this is happening to me because I didn’t do anything to get myself into this situation, except to do my job well,” Vukmirovic said.
Vukmirovic has worked for national broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) for decades. She is the editor of the RTS show Pravo na sutra, The Right to Tomorrow, which covers the lives of members of the Serb minority community in Kosovo, as well as the lives of people who fled Kosovo for Serbia during and after the 1998 war.
In a statement with four other organisations, the European Federation of Journalists called for “an explanation as to why the journalist’s entry was denied and request that the authorities ensure that the signed agreements between Serbia and Kosovo allowing freedom of movement are respected without exception.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Free Press Unlimited and Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa signed the statement alongside the European Federation of Journalists.
In a document received by Vukmirovic’s lawyer, the Kosovo Interior Ministry explained the ban on journalist Vukmirovic was due to her having “presented herself as a foreigner” when trying to enter the country.
Serbian ID cardholders can enter Kosovo without presenting additional documents, but foreigners must present a passport to gain entry to the country.
“I never did that, I never said I was a foreigner, it’s absurd,” responded Vukmirovic.
Vukmirovic was born in Pristina, Kosovo.
Vukmirovic said that, prior to 2018, she did not encounter any issues when travelling with her Serbian ID card.
When Vukmirovic was prevented from entering Kosovo on 1 May, she was purportedly given the explanation that “she is considered a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations.”
Vukmirovic has rejected the claims.
“To whom can I be a threat, with what can I be a threat – by holding a pen and a mobile phone in my hand?” she said.
Vukmirovic has received the support of many media organisations, including Safejournalists Network.
“Countries must ensure that journalists do their work unhindered and the right to free movement, which is one of the basic human rights in a democratic world,” the organisation said.
Image via Wikimedia
