Hate speech among the youth of political parties – how much is this phenomenon being fought? is the topic that was discussed with the youth of political parties in Kosovo, where according to them they have often faced hate speech, but they are working and will work to eliminate this phenomenon.
The following panelists were invited to discuss about this phenomenon: Arbnora Salihu, from Democratic Party of Kosovo, Amire Ajeti, from Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Behar Jashari, from Lëvizja Vetëvendosje, Endrit Zabërgja, from Social Democratic Initiative and Paris Guri, from Democratic League of Kosovo. Whereas, it was moderated by Meti Krasniqi, a journalist who is going to write the editorial on this topic also.
Behar Jashari from Lëvizja Vetëvendosje stated that they are faced with such phenomena every day, but according to him, a greater effort from the entire political spectrum, to fight this phenomenon, would affect the reduction of hate speech. This topic in social media is wider, but we see this negative phenomenon every day, which sometimes devalues even in serious insults. Even here, I cannot give a conclusion as to what the solution is, but I believe that a slightly wider effort from the entire political spectrum could have influenced it. I am optimistic that this phenomenon has been softening over time, and we are a good example of this issue, it is not that we have hatred towards each other as it may have happened in the past, this is probably the first step towards a slightly bigger solution”, he said.
While Arbnora Salihu from the Democratic Party of Kosovo, has shown that they are against this phenomenon and that it is unacceptable in society. Even us, as Democratic Youth, and as a party are against it and we should not allow it to happen, using different methods and mechanisms to achieve better results. It is something that is unacceptable.
Whereas, Paris Guri from the Democratic League of Kosovo, stated that the use of hate speech affects personal safety, and according to him, this language has a greater impact on women. It insults the dignity, the personality, as well as, the personal safety, especially when it is from public figures, especially towards women because it is much more dangerous towards them. The youth in politics have many challenges to get involved in politics. I think that us, as a youth, must be the link that breaks the chain that has been created, and especially this language has started to become contaminated during the last 2 or 3 years. It is our responsibility.
Amire Ajeti, from the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, showed how Alenace will try to work to eradicate this phenomenon. For the members of the Alliance, this is unacceptable, we have more options and we will work to eliminate this type of factor. It is not easy for us, especially for us, women, it is even more difficult. I believe that in the future these things will not stop us from moving forward.
Endrit Zabërgja, from the Social Democratic Initiative emphasized that offensive language was used in all parties. He added that the opportunity has been created for each person to express his opinion as it is, and that many times they turn it into hate speech. All the parties have used, and continue to use such combative language.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union, within the project “Combating Discrimination, Hate Speech and Gender-Based Violence”. The content of this publication is the responsibility of ATRC, IKS and D4D and in no way, it cannot be considered as the position of the European Union.