Exposing Buzhala’s Playbook: Intimidation, Propaganda, and Misinformation in Kosovo
Berat Buzhala exploits media power in Kosovo, spreading Kremlin-aligned narratives, misinformation, and intimidation, undermining institutions, silencing dissent, and threatening stability.
In the fractious landscape of the Balkans, where democracy struggles against the tides of nationalism, misinformation, and external aggression, the role of independent journalism becomes more than a profession—it becomes a necessity. Yet, as history has repeatedly shown, not all who claim the mantle of journalism act in its service. The case of Berat Buzhala, a media mogul and former politician in Kosovo, illustrates this grim reality. Over the past weeks, Buzhala’s actions have raised questions not only about journalistic ethics but also about the integrity of Kosovo’s democratic institutions and its ability to resist Kremlin-aligned Serbian aggression.
Berat Buzhala, Sanctioned Figures, and the Threat to Kosovo’s National Security
In the tumultuous landscape of the Western Balkans, a region perpetually teetering on the edge of geopolitical and domestic instability, the line between media, politics, and organised crime often blurs. The name Berat Buzhala, a former politician turned media figure, repeatedly surfaces in this murky confluence. Buzhala has wielded his media empire not as a tool for transparency and accountability, but rather as a mechanism to amplify questionable narratives. His connections to individuals sanctioned by the United States Treasury, his alignment with interests that threaten Kosovo’s sovereignty, and his consistent undermining of efforts to counter foreign influence reveal a deeply concerning trajectory.
The Personal Becomes Public
A Calculated Attack
On December 14, 2024, Berat Buzhala escalated his longstanding disregard for journalistic norms and democratic accountability by publicly sharing a private WhatsApp conversation with me, on his widely followed Facebook page. The post included my personal phone number, exposing me to harassm…