The Kosovo Law Institute (IKD) has published a report titled, “When the Regulator Breaks the Rules: The Illegality of IMC Fines for Media Violations,” concluding that all sanctioning decisions issued by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) after the institution became operational again in May 2026 are unlawful.

At a press conference, IKD Deputy Executive Director Betim Musliu presented the report’s main findings, which examine the IMC’s sanctioning decisions against media outlets following the restoration of the institution’s functionality.

According to Musliu, since becoming operational, the IMC has held 14 meetings, reviewed 62 legal cases, and imposed sanctions in 59 of them.

He said the report’s key finding is that all of these sanctions were imposed in violation of the law.

IKD Senior Researcher Gëzim Shala stated that the report assessed whether the IMC had a legal basis to sanction media outlets in the manner and at the time the decisions were adopted.

According to him, the IMC has the authority to monitor media during election campaigns, but this authority must be exercised in accordance with legally prescribed deadlines and procedures.

He stressed that, according to the report, decisions concerning the 2025 electoral cycles were adopted outside the deadlines set by the relevant regulation and are therefore considered unlawful.

Shala also raised concerns about the legality of recommendations issued by the IMC Executive Office, arguing that the position of Chief Executive Officer has been held for years by acting officials beyond the time limits permitted by law.

According to him, recommendations drafted by someone serving in such a capacity do not produce legal effect, and consequently, decisions based on those recommendations are also unlawful.

IKD Executive Director Ehat Miftaraj said that media outlets should make use of available legal remedies to challenge these decisions, including appeals to the Complaints Commission and the Administrative Court.

He criticized the Kosovo Assembly for failing to establish the IMC Complaints Commission in a timely manner and for not ensuring the institution’s full functionality.