Prepared by: Festim Rizanaj
During the week of February 16–21, the information space in Kosovo was characterized by a proliferation of misinformation content on social networks and online media, which included visual manipulations, misleading headlines, distortion of facts, and recycling of unverified narratives. These cases testify to the continuity of practices aimed at influencing public perception on political issues and sensitive topics.
This week, cases of visual deception and misleading headlines were identified. A Facebook post falsely claimed that LDK MP Janina Ymeri was wearing a t-shirt with a political inscription during a press conference, but verification and digital analysis proved that the photo was manipulated, while she described the case as staged. In another case, the headline “Increases and pensions, Kurti also talks about the 13th salary” created the impression of a new decision for an increase, although the content only spoke of statements by the prime minister during discussions on the 2026 Draft Budget, without any approved decision, illustrating the practice of clickbait that distorts public perception.
During the week, cases of manipulation of facts and recycling of conspiracy theories were also identified. A TikTok video claimed that 1 billion euros were invested in armaments during Albin Kurti's government, but verifications show that the budget of the Ministry of Defense for the period 2021–2025 reaches over 650 million euros, while around 450 million euros were spent on armaments. There is no official document confirming the figure of 1 billion euros as a realized investment; this amount is related to future plans and not to actual expenses. At the same time, in an interview with "RIA Novosti", Velko Odallović, chairman of the Commission for Missing Persons in the Government of Serbia, returned the claims about the so-called "yellow house" and organ trafficking, although investigations to date have not proven the existence of such a scheme, making this case a continuation of an unverified and conspiratorial narrative.
Lies
Through a Facebook post, it was claimed that Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) MP Janina Ymeri, at a press conference, wore a T-shirt that read: "FREEDOM HAS A NAME, CRIMINALS AND THIEVES SHOULD BE CONDEMNED." The findings showed that her clothing had been tampered with, with a T-shirt with a message attached. Digital analysis also revealed interference. Ymeri reacted by calling it a montage and clarified her position regarding the trials in The Hague. (here)
Clickbait
Through the title of an article, it was claimed that allowances and pensions in Kosovo would increase. The title “Increase in allowances and pensions, Kurti also talks about the 13th salary" has left room for misinterpretation, as if it is about a new decision to increase allowances and pensions in Kosovo. However, the content of the article shows that it is about statements by Prime Minister Albin Kurti during discussions in the session on the 2026 Draft Budget. Without approval of the draft law and without a new decision by the Government, the claim for an increase is unfounded and creates a wrong perception among readers. (here)
Manipulation of facts
A video posted on TikTok shows Prime Minister Albin Kurti near military vehicles and activities of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), with a caption claiming that 1 billion euros were invested in armaments during his government, marking a 400% increase compared to previous governments. After verifying media reports and public statements by state officials, hibrid.info has found that the budget of the Ministry of Defense has marked a gradual increase from 2021 to 2025, with a total reaching over 650 million euros for this period. Meanwhile, the Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, has stated that around 450 million euros were spent on armaments alone during the previous government mandate. However, no official document or financial report has been found to confirm the claim that 1 billion euros were invested in armaments during the previous government mandate. This figure is mentioned in the context of a promise for investments in the next four years and not as an amount realized so far. (here)
Conspiracy theory
The Chairman of the Commission for Missing Persons in the Government of Serbia, Velko Odallović, in an interview with the Russian media outlet “RIA Novosti”, spoke about the “yellow house”, saying that the organs of Kosovo victims were sold to wealthy individuals abroad. The claim that the “yellow house” existed and that organ trafficking operations were carried out has never been proven. Investigations to date have not proven such a thing. Odallović’s claims that the organs of Kosovo victims were sold to wealthy individuals abroad are not based on any facts. (here)