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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]
2 clusters · 19 sources · 18 days · First seen · Last updated
Kosovo online harassment investigations
Entities: Pristina · Institute of Hydrometeorology of Kosovo · Kosovo · Ministry of Agriculture of Kosovo
Overview
In early July 2026 Kosovo police detained Remzi Hajzeraj for 48 hours on suspicion of threatening Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla via social media. Later that month the Special Prosecutor’s Office opened a broader probe into the anonymous Facebook profile “Lule Gjeli,” which opposition figures alleged spread hate speech, issued threats and attempted extortion of public officials. Former prime minister Avdullah Hoti and mayor Perparim Rama called for the profile’s creator to be identified, while journalists and members of the Democratic Institute of Kosovo warned of possible political motivations.
On 25 July, mayor Rama pressed the news portal Kallxo to disclose the identity behind “Lule Gjeli,” threatening to review municipal cooperation with the outlet if clarification was not provided. Kallxo replied that the author had requested to publish under that pseudonym, that the editor was aware, and that no payment was involved; the piece originally appeared on 27 August 2020. Journalist Astrit Gashi asserted that the “Lule Gjeli” mentality was fostered by Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Vetëvendosje members, while commentator Eugen Cakolli noted that fake profiles have repeatedly been used to launch hate, blackmail and personal attacks, with dozens of posts verified as false. The episode has heightened concern over online disinformation and political intimidation in Kosovo.
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Institute of Hydrometeorology of Kosovo forecast temperatures up to 38 °C on Friday, 31 July 2026.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Daily minimum temperatures during the forecast week will be around 12 °C.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The forecast includes sunny conditions, local thunderstorms, isolated rain showers and occasional hail.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mayor Perparim Rama requested Kallxo to disclose the identity of the author using the pseudonym “Lule Gjeli”. (Perparim Rama)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Journalist Astrit Gashi claimed that Prime Minister Albin Kurti created and fed the “Lule Gjeli” mentality. (Astrit Gashi)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The “Lule Gjeli” profile posted hateful and blackmail content targeting political opponents. (multiple sources)
- [● 2 SOURCES] An opinion titled “Modeli i fshehur që mund të jetë në tavolinën e marrëveshjeve Kosovë‑Serbi” was published on 27 August 2020 under the pseudonym “Lule Gjeli”. (Kallxo)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kallxo stated that the author used the pseudonym voluntarily, was known to the editorial staff, and was not paid for the opinion piece. (Kallxo)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Eugen Cakolli said fake profiles such as “Lule Gjeli” have been used for years to attack critics of the government. (Eugen Cakolli)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rama warned that if clarification was not provided by Monday, the municipality would reconsider cooperation with the outlet. (Perparim Rama)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kallxo verified dozens of posts from the “Lule Gjeli” profile as false. (Kallxo)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pristina has mobilised a professional fire brigade of about 110 firefighters, police support and volunteer rescue teams for storm protection.
Timeline
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1 day ago
[HEALTH] 17 sourcesKosovo braces for heatwave with temperatures up to 38 °CKosovo’s weather service predicts a week‑long heatwave with highs up to 38 °C and minima around 12 °C; emergency services are on alert and agricultural officials urge hail‑protection measures.
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19 days ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesKosovo detains man for threatening Interior Minister Xhelal SveçlaKosovo police detained Remzi Hajzeraj for 48 hours after he allegedly threatened Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla on social media.
Sources
24-ore.com · abcnews.al · albinfo.ch · alsat.mk · arbresh.info · atvlive.tv · botapress.info · brevanews.it · dukagjini.com · ekonomiaonline.com · gazeta.mk · gazeta10.com · lajmi.net · lideri.mk · orainfo.net · prizrenpress.com · telegrafi.com · veriu.info · zhurnal.mk
This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history