Attack on Kosovo Journalist Condemned

Journalists' associations and political leaders on Wednesday condemned the assault on Kosovo journalist Valon Syla who received medical treatment after the attack in a Pristina neighbourhood.

Kosovo Police confirmed that Syla was assaulted in Pristina's Bregu i Diellit (Sunny Hill) neighbourhood around 22:30 on Tuesday. He was going home after participating in a TV debate.

"The victim received [medical] treatment while the others [attackers] fled the scene in a car with local licence plates," police said in a statement.

Pristina Basic Prosecution said that Syla was assaulted by three persons and sustained body injuries.

No arrest has been made.

Speaking from Pristina hospital after receiving treatment, Syla told TV Dukagjini that he was assaulted by "three Islamic fanatics".

"It all happened too quickly," Syla, who is CeO and Director of Kosovo news portal Gazeta Metro, said.

Through a Facebook post on Wednesday, Syla alleged that the attack is linked with comments he made on social media about a local imam who received a Mercedes car as a gift some days ago from worshippers, on the day he retired.

"I don't know if anyone ordered it [the attack] but it was enough to cause serious injuries on my head and my left hand," Syla said.

The attack was condemned by the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, AJK, which asked for an "urgent investigation" into the incident.

"This attack is totally unacceptable and is an attempt to hinder and undermine freedom of speech and freedom of media in Kosovo," the AJK said.

"AJK calls on relevant institutions to take necessary measures to urgently arrest those responsible for the attack and bring them before the justice," it added.

The attack was also...