In a statement, the organization called on the authorities to conduct a swift, impartial and effective investigation to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident.

“Journalists must be able to report on protests, document developments of public interest and take part in public debate without being exposed to intimidation, insults or physical confrontation,” the SafeJournalists statement said.

Stafa reported to Police Station No. 3 that he was insulted and suffered minor injuries from unknown individuals, who according to him attacked him and the group he was with, consisting of two foreign journalists and their interpreter.

Statement:

The SafeJournalists Network in Albania expresses concern over the reported verbal attack and physical intimidation against journalist Osman Stafa, on the evening of June 21, 2026, in central Tirana, after the civic protest.

The network calls for a swift, impartial and effective investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident. Journalists must be able to report on protests, document developments of public interest and participate in public debate without being exposed to intimidation, insults or physical confrontation.

According to the police statement, the incident occurred at around 22:00 near Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, where police were notified of a conflict between several people. Stafa filed a complaint at Police Station No. 3, claiming that he was insulted and suffered minor injuries from unknown individuals who attacked him and the group consisting of two journalists and their interpreter, with whom he was present. Police also questioned the individuals suspected of the insults and the attack, who gave a different version of the event. Later, the authorities announced that investigative actions are continuing under the direction of the Prosecution.

Stafa told the SafeJournalists Network: “I was verbally attacked with serious insults because of my work as a journalist. During the protest march I was walking together with two foreign journalists and their interpreter. I was disturbed and felt unsafe. I did not know these people. I have filed a complaint with the police and will continue to pursue the case.”

In a tense civic and political environment, all actors must avoid language or behavior that could put journalists at risk or further undermine their safety.

The SafeJournalists Network will continue to monitor the case and expects a clear institutional response.

Any attack on journalists is an attack on media freedom and democratic values.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, June 22, 2026

Croatian Journalists’ Association

Association of Journalists of Kosovo

Association of Journalists of Macedonia

BH Journalists Association

Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia

Media Union of Montenegro

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