Troll of the Month: TV Klan Kosova

The Balkan Troll of the Month is an individual, a group of individuals or a media outlet that spreads hate based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or other diversity categories. The Balkan Troll is selected based on hate speech incidents identified across the Western Balkan region.

On the evening of November 5, 25-year-old Daorsa Spahija from Kosovo was found dead below the balcony of her apartment building in Tetovo, North Macedonia. Initial reports suggested that she had fallen from her balcony. The Macedonian Prosecutor’s Office later stated that her death was not the result of a crime. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have not released detailed information.

Family members and friends of the victim claim that Spahija’s death is linked to H.S. (30) from Kumanovo, with whom she had been in a relationship. H.S. is reportedly known to law enforcement authorities in North Macedonia. However, the family of H.S. has denied any involvement, stating that attempts are being made to tarnish their name.

Seven days later, the case has exposed failures by both institutions and society. Neighbours reportedly ignored repeated cries for help, normalising violence, while authorities have remained largely silent, fuelling misinformation and conspiracy theories. The alleged perpetrator, H. S., remains free despite public outcry.

During the ongoing media coverage of the incident, journalist Nevri Ademi from North Macedonia, appeared on the programme Kosova Shtatë on TV Klan Kosova, where he made unverified claims about the victim’s behaviour prior to her death, attributing them to unnamed sources. Here he stated, among other things, that he had information suggesting that Doarsa Spahija had recently been ‘very restless’ and that allegedly some of her colleagues told him that it could not be ruled out that she was using narcotics. These statements were not supported by evidence. Following public criticism, Ademi visited the victim’s family to apologise for the remarks.

Despite the controversy, Ademi was later invited again to speak on TV Klan Kosova’s Kosova Today, prompting further concern from civil society groups. The NGO “Qika” publicly criticised the broadcaster for giving airtime to a journalist who had shared unverified and potentially harmful claims, stating that doing so contributes to the sensationalising of cases involving women and reflects broader gender-based biases in media representation.

Media in North Macedonia and Kosovo reported the same no matter the language, raising wider questions about media responsibility in reporting sensitive cases. Furthermore, the Macedonian Association of Journalists has remained silent, drawing criticism for complicity. According to journalism standards, media outlets should avoid airing unverified allegations, particularly in cases under active investigation, and should ensure that reporting does not lead to victim-blaming or misinformation. Ethical guidelines emphasise verifying information, relying on official sources, and exercising caution when reporting on victims and their families.

Given its large audience, TV Klan Kosova holds significant influence in shaping public understanding of sensitive events. The broadcaster, and the media sector more broadly, must prioritise accuracy, verification, and responsible coverage, especially when reporting on ongoing investigations or sensitive cases.