The Board of Directors of “Focus Group” has issued an official statement following the raid on the offices of News24 and Panorama TV.
In the statement, the Board declares that a serious attack is being carried out against media freedom. Military forces occupied the premises of News24, Balkanweb, Gazeta Shqiptare, Radio Rash, Gazeta Panorama, and Panorama Sport without a court order and without a bailiff present.
Board of Directors reaction to the raid on News24
“Journalists were forcibly expelled,” the Board states, “and News24’s broadcast signal was cut after the electricity supply was disconnected.”
“This is not the enforcement of the law; this is dictatorship in action. The use of the army against your own people is a vile act, worthy of regimes like North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela, not of a European democracy.
For decades, News24 and Panorama have defended political pluralism, given a voice to all sides, and promoted Albania’s image worldwide. Now they are being punished for it,” says the Focus Group Board of Directors.
Furthermore, in this official stance, the Board has addressed an appeal to Albanians, international partners, and civil society.
“We call on Albanians: Defend your right to know the truth.
To international partners: Act now to protect independent media in Albania.
To civil society and journalists: Stand united against this dangerous precedent. If they can silence News24, they can silence anyone. Democracy dies in silence — we will not be silent,” the statement concludes.
OPEN APPEAL TO THE ALBANIAN PUBLIC AND INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
On August 9, 2025, the Albanian Government committed a grave assault on press freedom.
At dawn, military-style vehicles and armed forces stormed the premises of News 24, Balkanweb, Radio Rash, and the Panorama media group, without a court order, without legal authority, without a court order. Journalists were forcibly expelled, electricity was cut, and the buildings seized.
This is not law enforcement, this is dictatorship in action.
Using the army against your own people is a cowardly act, worthy of dictatorial regimes, not a European democracy.
For decades, News 24 and Panorama have defended political pluralism, given voice to all sides, and promoted Albania’s image worldwide. Now they are punished for it.
We call on:
• Albanians, defend your right to know the truth.
• International partners act now to protect independent media in Albania.
• Civil society and journalists, stand united against this dangerous precedent.
If they can silence News 24, they can silence anyone.
Democracy dies in silence, we will not be silent.
(BalkanWeb)
