Journalist Fitim Çeku injured by tear-gas chemical agents, says he was the target of the attack

Fitim Çeku, a journalist with Gazeta Journal, said he was injured by tear gas tonight during the protest in Pristina while carrying out his duties.

According to him, he was deliberately targeted and someone gave the order. Çeku said he suffered serious injuries and that he will file a criminal complaint.

In a Facebook post, Çeku wrote: “Tonight I was deliberately targeted with tear gas. Someone gave the order. I am a journalist and I was doing my job. I will file a criminal complaint, because I have suffered serious injuries.”

Along with the statement, he published a photograph in which white powder residue is visible around his eyes and nose, typical signs of contact with the CS tear-gas agent.

Such powder is dispersed by dispersion projectiles and causes burning of the eyes, tearing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

In a later comment, Çeku directed the accusation at the Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla.

Çeku, founder and editor-in-chief of Journal Magazine / Gazeta Journal, stressed that the incident occurred while he was practicing his profession as a journalist and that he will pursue the case through criminal proceedings.

As of this moment, there has been no official reaction from the Kosovo Police or the Ministry of Internal Affairs.