Journalist Osman Stafa reports being followed and having his road blocked after documenting extraction of aggregates from the Shkumbin River

Osman Stafa, a News24 journalist, has filed a report with Elbasan Police after, according to him, he was intimidated immediately after documenting the extraction of aggregates from the Shkumbin River. He had gone to the area to investigate residents’ reports and filmed heavy machinery removing gravel from the riverbed.

Stafa stated that as soon as he finished filming and set off for Elbasan, he was followed by a vehicle with licence plate AB489YZ. According to his account, the car blocked his way and forced him to stop.

The journalist said he recorded for 20 seconds an excavator extracting aggregates from the Shkumbin River. After getting into his car and joining the road to travel towards Elbasan, a black SUV came up aggressively behind him and flashed its lights to signal that he should stop. He continued driving, while the vehicle came very close on his left side and then pulled in front of him, cutting him off. Stafa said he reversed his car several metres, passed the SUV on the right and continued on his way. According to him, the pursuit lasted around 1 km.

In the report filed with Elbasan Police, Stafa requested a full investigation into the incident, the identification of the people in the vehicle, and the collection and preservation of all evidence. He also called on the responsible institutions to check whether the activity filmed on the Shkumbin River was being carried out in accordance with the law.

The journalist stressed that such actions, which he described as resembling mafia-style acts, would not intimidate him. Stafa said he would continue his work with dedication, without fearing anyone, and would verify and publish in the media every report he receives from citizens. He concluded by stating that such “mafia-style” threats do not frighten him.