The European Democratic Party has reacted strongly to the violence, threats and obstacles reported against journalists covering the protests in Albania, directing strong criticism also towards Prime Minister Edi Rama. In a public statement, the party's secretary general, Sandro Gozi, demands independent investigations into the reported incidents and accountability for those who have used violence against journalists.
The party refers to data published by the Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH), as well as a BIRN investigation, according to which since October 13, around 50 cases of violence and obstruction against journalists have been recorded, 41 of which are attributed to State Police officers.
The organization Reporters Without Borders also documented 28 cases of violence, intimidation, or obstruction of media work during the period October 13-19, affecting at least 23 media professionals. According to the report, at least 12 journalists were physically attacked.
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The European Democratic Party expresses deep concern about reports of violence, threats and obstruction of journalists covering the protests in Albania.
The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) has published a detailed list of incidents. A BIRN investigation, published on November 3, reports around 50 cases since October 13, 41 of which are attributed to State Police officers. Meanwhile, the organization “Reporters without Borders” has documented 28 cases of violence, intimidation or obstruction of media work during the period October 13-19, affecting at least 23 media professionals, including at least 12 who were physically attacked.
The cases described by BIRN are particularly disturbing. Klan News journalist Glidona Daci said she was sprayed in the face while reporting live. Syri editor Julian Hoxhaj said he was kicked and dragged by about a dozen police officers. Citizens.al editor Lorin Kadiu said a rubber bullet passed near his face and that a water cannon damaged his work equipment.
“Accounts of journalists who have been hit, pushed, sprayed or prevented from working must be taken seriously. Journalists must be able to report freely and safely, especially when documenting the actions of the authorities. These allegations require immediate, impartial and independent investigations, with all footage preserved and those responsible held accountable,” stated Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party. The Committee to Protect Journalists and partner organizations have also called for an investigation into the cases of violence. Three media workers required hospital treatment following the incidents on 13 October. In a separate monitoring of the 20 October protest, the Ombudsman also raised concerns about allegations of police violence, calling for the preservation of evidence and accountability. Gozi also addressed a direct message to Prime Minister Edi Rama, asking him to stop intimidating and discrediting the media for their reporting.
“Prime Minister Edi Rama must stop intimidating or discrediting the media for their coverage of events. When journalists face violence while carrying out their duties and the Prime Minister attacks media organizations, Albania moves further away from the European path it says it wants to follow. Respect for press freedom, accountability and the rule of law must be demonstrated in practice, not just promised during the EU accession process,” Gozi stressed. The European Democratic Party calls on the Albanian authorities to guarantee the safety of journalists covering public protests and to ensure that any investigation into alleged abuses is impartial and independent.
