The publisher of “Focus Group”, Irfan Hysenbelliu, has reacted after the brutal attack on the media, News24, BalkanWeb, Gazeta Panorama, Panorama Sport and Gazeta Shqiptare, which he called an unprecedented and illegal act undertaken against this media group.
Mr. Hysenbelliu states that without any warning or court order, police and military forces blocked the television station’s entrance and cut off News24’s broadcast signal, while journalists were forcibly evicted from their offices. “This is not an ordinary incident. This is a brutal act that constitutes a flagrant violation of press freedom and the fundamental right of citizens to be informed.
Secretly, civilians in unidentified vehicles have entered our offices and editorial offices and have taken confidential documents, sensitive materials and files related to serious investigations into corruption and abuse of power. These materials are the result of honest, dangerous and tireless work by our journalists – and now, in addition to moral damage, their lives are also being put at real risk. This is a clear and dangerous warning to any media that dares to investigate and speak about the truth”, says Mr. Hysenbelliu.
Furthermore, Mr. Hysenbelliu addressed a message to News24 employees, assuring them that the most watched news channel will not be closed and that the mission will continue. “I address all News24 employees: Do not give up! Stay strong, calm and proud of your mission.
“We have reported with honesty, professionalism and integrity – and we will not allow violence or pressure to silence our voices. News24 does not close. The truth does not disappear,” Mr. Irfan Hysenbelliu said in his message. The publisher of “Focus Group” has appealed to state institutions to stop repressive actions against News24 and Panorama Group, but to allow journalists to return to their workplace, in respect of the country’s Constitution.
“I call on state institutions: To immediately stop any repressive actions, to restore the television signal, to allow journalists to return to their workplace and to respect the laws and principles of the rule of law. I sincerely thank our journalists, national and international media organizations, our partners and citizens who are showing solidarity at this critical moment. News24 will continue to be the window of truth, our mission will continue! We will not be silent. We will not retreat”, says Mr. Irfan Hysenbelliu.
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE PUBLISHER OF “FOCUS GROUP”, IRFAN HYSENBELLIU
Tirana, August 12, 2025 As the publisher of “Focus Group”, News24, Panorama TV, Gazeta Panorama, Panorama Sport, Panorama Online and Gazeta Shqiptare Online, I strongly condemn all the serious, unprecedented and completely illegal actions that have been taken against our media group.
Today, without any warning, without a court order and without any justified legal basis, numerous police and military forces have blocked access to the television premises, forcibly interrupted the broadcast signal and have unacceptably interfered with the work of our journalists and technical staff. This is not an ordinary incident. This is a brutal act and constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of the press and the fundamental right of citizens to be informed. Secretly, civilians in unidentified vehicles have entered our premises and taken confidential documents, sensitive materials, and files related to serious investigations into corruption and abuse of power.
These materials are the result of honest, dangerous and tireless work by our journalists – and now, in addition to moral damage, their lives are also being put at real risk. This is a clear and dangerous warning to any media outlet that dares to investigate and speak and publish the truth. I address all employees of News24 and the “Panorama” media group: Do not give up! Stay strong, calm and proud of your mission. We have reported with honesty, professionalism and integrity – and we will not allow violence or pressure to silence our voice.
News24 is not closing. The truth does not disappear. I call on state institutions: To immediately stop any repressive actions, restore the television signal, allow journalists to return to their workplaces and respect the law and the principles of the rule of law. I sincerely thank our journalists, national and international media organizations, our partners and citizens who are showing solidarity at this critical moment. News24 will continue to be the window to the truth, our mission will continue! We will not be silent. We will not retreat.
(BalkanWeb)
