The European Democratic Party has expressed concern over reports of violence, threats and obstruction against journalists covering protests in Albania. Its secretary-general, Sandro Gozi, called for immediate, impartial and independent investigations and for those responsible for violence against media workers to be held accountable.
The party cited a list of incidents published by the Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) and a BIRN investigation published on November 3. According to the investigation, around 50 cases of violence against journalists or obstruction of their work have been reported since October 13; 41 were attributed to State Police officers. Reporters Without Borders separately documented 28 cases of violence, intimidation or obstruction of media work between October 13 and 19. These incidents affected at least 23 media professionals, including at least 12 who were physically assaulted.
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Among the cases described by BIRN was that of Klan News journalist Glidona Daci, who said she was sprayed in the face while reporting live. Syri editor Julian Hoxhaj said around a dozen police officers kicked him and dragged him along the ground. Citizens.al director Lorin Kadiu said a rubber bullet passed close to his face, while a water cannon damaged his work equipment.
Gozi stressed that accounts from journalists who say they were hit, pushed, sprayed or obstructed while working must be taken seriously. He said journalists must be able to report freely and safely, especially when documenting the actions of the authorities. He called for all video footage to be preserved and responsibility to be established. The Committee to Protect Journalists and partner organizations have also called for an investigation into the violence. Following the October 13 incidents, three media workers required hospital treatment. During its separate monitoring of the October 20 protest, the Ombudsman also raised concerns over allegations of police violence and called for evidence to be preserved and responsibility to be established.
Addressing Prime Minister Edi Rama, Gozi urged him not to intimidate or discredit media outlets over their coverage of events. He said violence against journalists doing their jobs, coupled with the prime minister’s attacks on media organizations, takes Albania further off the European path it seeks to follow. According to Gozi, press freedom, accountability and the rule of law must be upheld in practice, not merely promised during the EU accession process. The European Democratic Party called on the Albanian authorities to guarantee journalists’ safety at public protests and ensure impartial and independent investigations into the alleged abuses.
