31 years of “Bota Sot,” an unbroken voice of Albanian journalism

Few media outlets manage to endure for more than three decades without losing their identity and while remaining close to the public through periods of challenge, change, and major historical developments.

In its 31 years of existence, the newspaper “Bota sot” has emerged not only as a source of information, but also as an important voice for free speech, the national cause, and the public interest.

Since the day it was founded, it has closely followed the events that have affected the fate of Albanians, informing, documenting, and raising awareness about important moments in our history. Even in difficult times, when the truth was put to the test and free speech faced numerous obstacles, the newspaper remained an open space for free thought and democratic debate.

For thousands of readers across Albanian lands and beyond, “Bota sot” has become part of daily life, a window through which to follow political, social, cultural, and national developments.

Its value lies not only in the number of editions published or the years of its activity, but also in the weight it has carried in shaping public opinion and defending democratic principles.

This 31st anniversary marks a special moment to look back on the newspaper’s journey, the obstacles it overcame, and the mission it continues to uphold in the service of information and truth.

At the same time, this anniversary also serves to recognize the impact that “Bota sot” has had in supporting media freedom and strengthening professional journalism in the Albanian sphere.

Tahiraj: “Bota Sot” played an extraordinarily important role in Albanian journalism

On the 31st anniversary of the newspaper “Bota sot,” its longtime associate and activist, Saim Tahiraj, spoke about its legacy.

According to him, throughout its 31 years of activity, the newspaper “Bota Sot” has made a valuable contribution to Albanian journalism, standing out for its professionalism, courage, and fair public information, and therefore deserves appreciation and gratitude on this important jubilee.

“On the 31st anniversary of its founding and activity, the newspaper “Bota Sot” and its staff have every right to be proud of their contribution to Kosovar journalism. On this jubilee day, we wholeheartedly congratulate its staff, journalists, contributors, and loyal readers.

“Bota Sot” played an extraordinarily important role in Albanian journalism. With courage, professionalism, and dedication, it presented the objective reality of social and political events and developments, informing the public accurately and in a timely manner,” he said.

Further on, the activist stresses that “Bota Sot” showed extraordinary courage when reporting on political killings and crime in Kosovo, never stopping even in the face of threats and dangers to the lives of its journalists.

“It is especially worth emphasizing that many painful events from the pre-war period, during the war, and after it, which resulted in the political killings of major LDK figures, as well as senior military and police officers of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, were covered by “Bota Sot” with unmatched courage, reporting on them and informing public opinion through its writings. Courageous journalists and contributors, without a trace of fear, denounced and harshly criticized such criminal acts.

Although they were threatened with death and some of them were executed, they never stopped, but continued courageously exposing criminal gangs. We remember the threats directed against them with the words: “Life in Kosovo is worth only 40 cents,” but even that did not deter them.

If there is an award for courage in publishing the truth when it costs lives, among the first to deserve it would be “Bota Sot,” together with its journalists and contributors,” the activist says.

He also expressed gratitude to “Bota Sot” for the space it has given to truth and critical thought, describing the newspaper as a symbol of courage and freedom of expression in Kosovo journalism.

“Personally, I am very grateful to the newspaper “Bota Sot,” which made it possible for me to publish my interviews and articles, which no other newspaper had the courage to publish. It was the only window through which the light of truth was spread.

Thanks to the courage of its staff and contributors, fear was broken and Kosovo journalism gained greater freedom of expression and democratization. Even though this was achieved through suffering, sacrifice, and blood, it remains one of the most important victories of free speech in Kosovo.

On this anniversary, we remember with great respect all those journalists who were killed simply because they wrote the truth and exposed crime.

I wish for “Bota Sot” to continue its tradition, courageously exposing all the negative actions of those in power and of anyone who violates the laws and democratic values of our country.

You are the best example of what Kosovo journalism should be like,” activist Tahiraj concluded for “Bota sot”.

Ahmeti: The newspaper “Bota Sot” deserves recognition for its important contribution in special periods and circumstances

Political analyst Hidajet Ahmeti, in a conversation with “Bota sot,” praised the newspaper’s contribution during important periods of democratization and the building of an objective media outlet, encouraging freedom of expression and preserving editorial independence in the face of various pressures.

“The newspaper “Bota Sot” deserves recognition for its important contribution in special periods and circumstances, when the need for democratization and for building the standards of an objective media outlet was essential.

Freedom of expression, as one of the fundamental pillars of democracy, has been consistently promoted by the newspaper “Bota Sot,” which has managed to preserve its editorial independence while facing pressures of various kinds,” the analyst added.

He also underlined that the contribution of “Bota Sot” has influenced social emancipation, the strengthening of democracy, and the growth of civic awareness through the continuous promotion of democratic values.

“This valuable contribution has had a clear impact on social emancipation and progress, on strengthening democratic institutions, as well as on raising the collective awareness of citizens. Through its continuous work, the newspaper “Bota Sot” has played an important role in informing the public and promoting democratic values in society,” analyst Ahmeti concluded for “Bota sot”.