Fidair Berisha: the phrase ‘Kosovo is armoring up’ fuels fear and insecurity

Security expert Fidair Berisha has reacted to reports that “Kosovo is armoring up” ahead of the announcement of the verdict against former president Hashim Thaçi and others in The Hague. According to him, this description does not reflect reality, and the use of such terminology at a delicate moment requires extra care from the media.

Berisha explains that security institutions take additional measures only after analyzing concrete data and carrying out professional risk assessments. In such cases, preventive interventions aim to protect citizens and institutions.

“When the competent security institutions assess that additional measures are necessary, they act on the basis of concrete information and professional security assessments. In this way, preventive steps are taken to guarantee security for the country’s citizens,” he said.

According to the expert, guaranteeing the security of citizens and institutions is the state’s duty. He adds that, if there are real reasons for concern, preventive measures are indispensable, and that in this specific case they may have been taken because of information about a possible risk to the security situation.

However, Berisha notes that the phrase “Kosovo is armoring up,” when used without concrete facts and arguments, can influence the creation of an unnecessary sense of fear and insecurity among citizens.

“The use of expressions like ‘Kosovo is armoring up,’ without any argument at the moment and without concrete facts, can create an unnecessary perception of fear and insecurity,” Berisha stated.

He calls for security institutions to be transparent, while the media should publish only data confirmed by the responsible authorities. Berisha warns that uncontrolled information, especially in such a sensitive period, can be used to increase tensions, influence public opinion, and create the impression that the country is on the verge of destabilization.

“I think that unconfirmed information, especially in the current very sensitive period, can be exploited to increase tensions, influence public perception, or create the feeling that the country is on the brink of some destabilization, which does not suit Kosovo at all,” he said.

In conclusion, the expert asks citizens to remain calm and to respect institutions and their decisions. Meanwhile, any security measure, according to him, should be proportional, professional, and based on real risk assessments.

“My message would be clear: remain calm, respect institutions and their decisions, while any security measure should be proportional, professional, and based on real risk assessments. Kosovo needs institutional responsibility and accurate information, not panic or speculation,” Berisha concluded.