The Central Election Commission has denied accreditation to several Serbian media outlets to observe Sunday's local elections. This has prompted a reaction from various organizations, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
Regarding this decision, CEC members said that some of the media are known for propaganda and slander against Kosovo.
CEC members on Thursday accredited 29 local and 13 international media outlets to observe the elections. At the meeting, dozens of other media outlets refused. CEC members asked the registration office to conduct further verifications for these media outlets.
The Kosovo Journalists Association reacted to the decision, calling it unacceptable.
"From the discussions of the members at the meeting, the rejection appears to be of a political and ethnic nature. The AJK sees this decision as unacceptable and contrary to the democratic values of Kosovo, and the freedom of the media in the country. Serbian language media in Kosovo are registered with the ARBK as businesses, or with the MBP as NGOs. "The Serb citizens of Kosovo have the constitutional right to be informed about such an important process in their own language, the official language throughout Kosovo," the AGK said in its response.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo also expressed disappointment.
"Free and transparent elections depend on open and equal access for all media to observe, report and inform the public about electoral developments. Restricting media accreditation based on perceived community affiliation, language or editorial stance limits the ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties," the OSCE said in a statement on social media.
This reaction received support from the German Embassy, which disseminated its position, asking institutions to treat all media equally.