Allgemein

Albania: Media freedom groups write to authorities over Focus…

Albania: Media freedom groups write to authorities over Focus Media Group obstruction

Alarm raised over non compliance with a recent decision by court in Tirana.

25.08.2025

Në gjuhën shqipe më poshtë

To:

Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation (MEKI)

Ministry of Justice

State Police

Bailiff Service (Zyra e Përmbarimit Shtetëror)

Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA)

People’s Advocate (Ombudsman) (Avokat i Popullit)

Subject: Urgent call to enforce court decision and uphold journalistic freedoms

Dear Ministers and officials,

We, the undersigned press freedom organisations and regional journalist associations express in this open letter our deep concern over the non-execution of court decisions and the ongoing obstruction of journalistic activity at the Tirana premises of Focus Media Group, which includes News24, BalkanWeb, Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare, and other affiliated outlets.

We are alarmed that despite the clear ruling of the Tirana First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction on 12 August 2025 – which partially upheld the request of Focus Media Group and Panorama Group for urgent interim measures to restore access to journalistic equipment and work materials – these orders remain unimplemented. Journalists continue to face restricted access to the building to retrieve their work materials, and military police and the state-owned entity KAYO are actively blocking execution of the court’s order.

The court rightly found that the restrictions imposed on journalists’ work during the eviction enforcement – including blocked access to the premises, the cutting of electricity, and the removal of newsroom equipment – were disproportionate. It also ruled that such disputes should be resolved in a way that minimises interference with freedom of expression and journalists’ rights, in line with international the state’s obligation to safeguard freedom of expression. While the court did not rule on the underlying property dispute – which remains under the jurisdiction of the administrative courts – we welcome its focus on the impact of the intervention on journalists’ ability to work, as well as its finding that the manner in which the eviction was handled was contrary to the Albanian Constitution and Article 10 of the European Court of Human Rights.

However, alarmingly the court’s binding order to inventory and safeguard or return all professional materials within 48 hours remains unimplemented. This ongoing and clear defiance of a judicial decision undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for both media freedom and the rule of law in Albania.

We therefore urgently call on the relevant state authorities to:

Immediately and fully implement the 12 August decision of the Tirana First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction, ensuring unimpeded access for journalists to their materials and equipment;
Cease all actions that infringe on journalistic freedom, including demands for journalists to hand over their electronic devices in order to access the building to retrieve belongings, which risks undermining source confidentiality;
Ensure accountability for any state or third-party actors which are actively obstructing lawful enforcement of the court’s decision;
Uphold Albania’s international commitments to protect freedom of expression and the rights of journalists, as part of its EU accession requirements;
Engage transparently with media companies and representatives involved to avoid further escalation and ensure compliance with legal obligations.

We note that while News24 has resumed broadcasting from temporary premises (restaurant) during the interim period, this cannot substitute the full restoration of normal journalistic operations with all of the media outlet’s professional equipment and materials.

Regardless of the wider property dispute, the use of state force to continue to block media operations without judicial mandate or compliance with due process is incompatible with Albania’s democratic commitments and EU integration ambitions and sends a worrying message.

We further express our solidarity with the Chairman of the Association of Journalists of Albania, Isa Myzyraj, and its member, Osman Stafa, as well as with other press freedom defenders and watchdog organisations who have been targeted because of their action in support of the newsrooms of Focus Media Group and Panorama Group.

Our organisations, which previously issued a joint statement on this issue, remain ready to support constructive dialogue on the matter and will continue to support the free exercise of journalism in Albania. We urge swift and responsible action by your respective authorities to resolve this situation in line with domestic and international standards.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and look forward to your individual responses.

Signed by:

Media Freedom Rapid Response

International Press Institute (IPI)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)

SafeJournalists Network

Association of BH journalists
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Macedonian Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Data: 25 Gusht 2025

Drejtuar:
Ministrisë së Brendshme
Ministrisë së Ekonomisë, Kulturës dhe Inovacionit (MEKI)
Ministrisë së Drejtësisë
Policisë së Shtetit
Zyra e Përmbarimit Shtetëror
Autoritetit të Mediave Audiovizive (AMA)
Avokatit të Popullit

Lënda: Thirrje urgjente për zbatimin e vendimit gjyqësor dhe mbrojtjen e lirive gazetareske

Të nderuar Ministra,

Të nderuar zyrtarë,

Ne, organizatat nënshkruese për lirinë e medias dhe shoqatat rajonale të gazetarëve, shprehim në këtë letër të hapur shqetësimin tonë të thellë për moszbatimin e vendimeve gjyqësore dhe pengesat e vazhdueshme ndaj aktivitetit gazetaresk në ambientet e Focus Media Group në Tiranë, që përfshin News24, BalkanWeb, Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare dhe media të tjera të lidhura me to.

Jemi të alarmuar që, pavarësisht vendimit të qartë të Gjykata e Shkallës së Parë në Tiranë, më 12 gusht 2025, e cila pjesërisht pranoi kërkesën e Focus Media Group dhe Panorama Group për marrjen e masave të përkohshme urgjente me qëllim rivendosjen e aksesit në pajisjet dhe materialet e punës gazetareske, këto urdhra vazhdojnë të mbeten të pazbatuara. Gazetarët vijojnë të përballen me kufizime në hyrjen në ndërtesë për të marrë materialet e tyre të punës, ndërkohë që raportohet se Policia Ushtarake dhe enti shtetëror KAYO po pengojnë aktivisht ekzekutimin e urdhrit të gjykatës.

Gjykata me të drejtë konstatoi se kufizimet e vendosura ndaj punës së gazetarëve gjatë ekzekutimit të dëbimit përfshirë bllokimin e hyrjes në ambientet e punës, ndërprerjen e energjisë elektrike dhe largimin e pajisjeve të redaksisë ishin jo proporcionale. Ajo vendosi gjithashtu se mosmarrëveshje të tilla duhet të zgjidhen në një mënyrë që minimizon ndërhyrjen në lirinë e shprehjes dhe të drejtat e gazetarëve, në përputhje me detyrimin e shtetit për të mbrojtur lirinë e shprehjes. Ndërkohë që gjykata nuk dha një vendim mbi çështjen themelore të pronësisë e cila mbetet nën juridiksionin e gjykatave administrative ne përshëndesim fokusin e saj mbi ndikimin e ndërhyrjes në aftësinë e gazetarëve për të punuar, si dhe konstatimin se mënyra se si u trajtua dëbimi ishte në kundërshtim me Kushtetutën e Shqipërisë dhe nenin 10 të Konventës Evropiane për të Drejtat e Njeriut.

Megjithatë, shqetësues është fakti që urdhri detyrues i gjykatës për të inventarizuar dhe për të siguruar ose kthyer të gjitha materialet e punës brenda 48 orëve vazhdon të mbetet i pazbatuar. Ky mosrespektim i hapur dhe i vazhdueshëm i një vendimi gjyqësor minon shtetin e së drejtës dhe vendos një precedent të rrezikshëm si për lirinë e medias, ashtu edhe për sundimin e ligjit në Shqipëri.

Prandaj, ne u bëjmë thirrje urgjente autoriteteve shtetërore përkatëse që të:

Zbatojnë menjëherë dhe plotësisht vendimin e 12 gushtit të Gjykatës së Shkallës së Parë të Juridiksionit të Përgjithshëm në Tiranë, duke garantuar akses të papenguar për gazetarët në materialet dhe pajisjet e tyre;
Ndërpresin çdo veprim që cenon lirinë gazetareske, përfshirë kërkesat ndaj gazetarëve për të dorëzuar pajisjet e tyre elektronike me qëllim hyrjen në ndërtesë për të marrë sendet personale, gjë që rrezikon konfidencialitetin e burimeve;
Sigurojnë llogaridhënie për çdo aktor shtetëror ose palë të tretë që pengon aktivisht zbatimin ligjor të vendimit të gjykatës;
Respektojnë angazhimet ndërkombëtare të Shqipërisë për mbrojtjen e lirisë së shprehjes dhe të drejtave të gazetarëve, si pjesë e kërkesave për anëtarësimin në BE;
Angazhohen në mënyrë transparente me kompanitë mediatike dhe përfaqësuesit e përfshirë, për të shmangur përshkallëzimin e mëtejshëm dhe për të garantuar përmbushjen e detyrimeve ligjore.

Vërejmë se, megjithëse News24 ka rifilluar transmetimet nga ambiente të përkohshme (një restorant) gjatë kësaj periudhe të ndërmjetme, kjo nuk mund të zëvendësojë rivendosjen e plotë të funksionimit normal gazetaresk me të gjitha pajisjet dhe materialet profesionale të medias.

Pavarësisht mosmarrëveshjes më të gjerë mbi pronësinë, përdorimi i forcës shtetërore për të vazhduar bllokimin e veprimtarisë mediatike pa një mandat gjyqësor ose pa respektimin e procesit të rregullt është i papajtueshëm me angazhimet demokratike të Shqipërisë dhe aspiratat e saj për integrimin në BE, duke dhënë një mesazh shqetësues.

Ne shprehim më tej solidaritetin tonë me Kryetarin e Asociacionit të Gazetarëve të Shqipërisë, Isa Myzyraj, dhe anëtarin e saj, Osman Stafa, si dhe me mbrojtësit e tjerë të lirisë së shtypit dhe organizatat monitoruese, të cilët janë vënë në shënjestër dhe janë kërcënuar për shkak të angazhimit të tyre në mbështetje të redaksive të Focus Media Group dhe Panorama Group.

Organizatat tona, të cilat më parë kanë publikuar një deklaratë të përbashkët mbi këtë çështje, mbeten të gatshme të mbështesin një dialog konstruktiv dhe do të vazhdojnë të mbështesin ushtrimin e lirë të gazetarisë në Shqipëri. Ne ju bëjmë thirrje autoriteteve tuaja përkatëse të ndërmarrin veprime të shpejta dhe të përgjegjshme për zgjidhjen e kësaj situate, në përputhje me standardet lokale dhe ndërkombëtare.

Ne do të vazhdojmë ta ndjekim situatën nga afër dhe presim me interes përgjigjet tuaja.

Nënshkruar:

MFRR:

Instituti Ndërkombëtar i Shtypit (IPI)
Federata Evropiane e Gazetarëve (EFJ)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
Reporterët Pa Kufij (RSF)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
Qendra Evropiane për Lirinë e Shtypit dhe Medias (ECPMF)

SafeJournalists Network

Asociacioni i Gazetarëve të BH
Asociacioni i Gazetarëve të Kosovës
Asociacioni i Gazetarëve të Maqedonisë
Shoqata e Gazetarëve Kroatë
Shoqata e Pavarur e Gazetarëve të Serbisë
Sindikatat e Medias së Malit të Zi

This letter was coordinated by IPI as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Allgemein

Albania: Urgent answers needed on Focus Media Group blockade…

Albania: Urgent answers needed on Focus Media Group blockade and journalists’ right to work

We, the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Albanian media freedom organisations, express shared concern over the police blockade and subsequent events affecting Focus Media Group, News24, BalkanWeb, Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare, and other affiliated outlets.

12 August 2025

In the early hours of 9 August, State Police surrounded the building in Tirana where these outlets operate, cut the electricity supply, and blocked access for journalists and staff. This halted News24’s on-air broadcasting. According to Focus Media Group, no prior warning of effectively cutting off the broadcasting signal had been provided.

The police action stems from a broader property dispute between the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation (MEKI) and Focus Media Group over leases and procedures. However, the heavy-handed police action has so far been carried out under unclear legal grounds and without due process. In the absence of a published legal basis, judicial and enforcement orders, or clear timeline and next steps, the legality and proportionality of the action remain in serious question.

As a result, since 9 August one of Albania’s leading national news broadcasters, News24, has been off air. As of 12 August 2025, there is still no clarity on when broadcasting will resume, nor on the future of the journalists, media workers, and support staff of Focus Media Group. This uncertainty undermines public trust, weakens pluralism, and risks a chilling effect on media freedom.

The impact on media workers is immediate and serious. Approximately 230 employees, journalists, media workers, and support staff, now face the risk of unemployment, with many already experiencing delayed salaries and unpaid social security and healthcare contributions. With the building blockaded and operations disrupted, their livelihoods and professional futures are at stake.

We therefore jointly call on the Albanian authorities to guarantee journalists’ right to work and safety and:

to provide a full, public explanation of the legal basis, necessity and urgency of the operation on Saturday early morning, 9 August 2025, including its timing, methods, proportionality, and whether less-restrictive alternatives were considered;
to lift the police cordon, restore electricity, and allow free, unhindered access to newsrooms and reporting sites, without intimidation or interference;
to protect journalistic materials and infrastructure, refraining from any seizure or damage and ensuring secure access to equipment, archives, and transmission links;
to safeguard labour rights during disruption, coordinating with the Labour Inspectorate so wages and social contributions are paid and temporary premises and continuity arrangements are enabled;
to provide effective legal guarantees by publishing the legal basis and orders, setting out the timeline and conditions for lifting measures, ensuring an accessible avenue to challenge with suspensive effect where applicable, and coordinating with AMA while using the least-restrictive means to maintain continuity of news service;
to investigate any obstruction of journalists and ensure accountability; and to communicate regularly with the public.

We meanwhile call on the ownership and management of Focus Media Group:

to act with urgency to safeguard employees’ livelihoods and rights, honour all legal and contractual obligations, and secure temporary premises and continuity plans to protect staff and maintain access to information for the public;
to engage constructively with authorities to resolve the dispute lawfully and transparently with the least possible disruption to journalistic work and the public’s right to know;
to ensure payment of wages and social contributions, safe access to equipment and data, and non-retaliation against staff during this disruption;
to provide full transparency on the legal and contractual situation so employees and the public understand the basis of the dispute.

This is not merely a contractual dispute. It raises fundamental issues of due process, proportionality, media freedom, and the protection of journalists and media workers. All parties must act swiftly, transparently, and in the public interest to ensure these rights are respected and upheld.

Signed by:

SafeJournalists Network

Association of BH journalists
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Macedonian Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) Partners

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
ARTICLE 19 Europe
International Press Institute (IPI)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)

Civil society organisations in Albania:

Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV)
Albanian Media Council (KMSH)
Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH)
Albanian Woman in Audiovisual (AWA)
Amfora
Association of Professional Journalists of Albania (APJA)
Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SGPM)
Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC)
Albanian Center for Quality Journalism (ACQJ)
Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Albania (BIRN Albania)
Faktoje
Union of Journalists of Albania (UGSH)
Association of European Journalists, Albanian Section (AEJ)
Citizens Channel
Res Publica Center

This statement was coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Library

Albania: MFRR and SafeJournalists condemn blatant intimidation of journalists…

Albania: MFRR and SafeJournalists condemn blatant intimidation of journalists covering parliamentary elections

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and the SafeJournalists Network (SJN) today raise alarm over numerous incidents of intimidation and obstruction faced by journalists covering the Albanian parliamentary elections. Since the 11 May election, at least 20 journalists and media entities have faced reporting interference and pressure, including from public officials. All incidents were captured in multiple videos.

22.05.2025

Throughout election day, at least five journalists covering the vote experienced alarming incidents across the country, including verbal abuse, physical aggression, and interference in their reporting. Incidents documented by the MFRR and SJN on that day include the physical assault of journalist Armando Rabi in Gjirokastër, the forced deletion of recorded materials from Erisa Xhindole’s phone in Pogradec, and a violent confrontation involving Syri TV’s Ambrozia Meta and crew by Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe, during a live broadcast from an unofficial electoral office in Tirana.

Journalists also faced arbitrary restrictions by voting center staff in violation of Albania’s electoral code. Accredited media observers in Durrës were reportedly prevented from documenting voting, while in Saranda, Euronews Albania’s Enriko Gaba was allegedly limited to 15 minutes of filming, again in violation of the official rules, which permit media workers access. Gaba had previously experienced obstruction from elected officials during the municipal elections in August 2024.

In the context of elections, public officials have a particular duty to ensure transparent electoral processes, allowing journalists to scrutinise campaigns, voting procedures, and vote counts without hindrance or violence. These incidents raise concerns regarding the state of press freedom and the free flow of information in Albania, with authorities failing to provide the environment for fair, balanced reporting and transparency during the electoral process.

Following the voting results, other incidents have been reported involving officials of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania (DP). At least 10 verbal abuses were documented as journalists were covering the party’s defeat. Among them, Democratic Party General Secretary Flamur Noka repeatedly discredited and denied questions to Report TV and A2 CNN journalists. During the Democratic Party protest organised on 16 May to denounce alleged electoral fraud, Euronews Sara Demushi had her badge for the concurrent European Political Community Summit grabbed by party official Edi Paloka. This physical confrontation, along with insults and obstruction of recording by other party officials, fueled hostility from DP supporters in the protest, prompting some journalists, including Demushi, to leave for their safety.

Therefore, the MFRR and SJN call on Albanian authorities to ensure prompt, thorough, and independent investigations into all reported cases of violence, intimidation and obstruction against journalists by public officials and private individuals.

In the wake of the election, the MFRR and SJN urge the re-elected Socialist Party administration to take concrete steps to strengthen press freedom in Albania, and for all political parties to refrain from interfering with journalistic work and to publicly condemn all forms of hostility against the press.

Signed by:

Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

SafeJournalists Network (SJN)

Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Library

Constitutional Court of Albania Strengthens Freedom of Expression in…

Constitutional Court of Albania Strengthens Freedom of Expression in Elton Qyno Case

Joint Statement by the SafeJournalists Network, partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), welcoming the decision of the Constitutional Court of Albania, which overturned the lower-court orders allowing the search and seizure of journalist Elton Qyno’s equipment, reinforcing the importance of protecting journalistic sources and freedom of expression in line with international standards.

29 April 2025

On 22 April 2025, the Constitutional Court of Albania delivered a unanimous 8–0 judgement setting aside lower-court orders authorising the search of journalist Elton Qyno and the seizure of his electronic equipment and directed that all data extracted from those devices be destroyed. The Court held that these measures amounted to a disproportionate interference with freedom of expression and the protection of journalistic sources, rights enshrined in Article 22 of the Albanian Constitution and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

We, the undersigned organisations, welcome this ruling. In an open letter of January 2024, we jointly cautioned that compelling Mr Qyno to reveal his source and confiscating his work materials risked undermining internationally recognised standards and chilling investigative reporting in Albania. The Constitutional Court has now confirmed that journalists may not be required to disclose their sources unless an overriding public interest is demonstrably at stake and no less intrusive avenue is available. The Court’s decision underscores the need for internal safeguards whenever investigations intersect with freedom of expression and media freedom.

We therefore encourage the competent authorities to give immediate effect to the Constitutional Court’s judgement by returning devices to Mr Qyno and formally confirming the deletion of all copies of seized data.

Looking ahead, while our organisations support the fight against corruption in Albania and the role the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office plays here, we invite the SPAK, the judiciary, and competent law enforcement authorities to handle cases involving journalists, public watchdogs and media in line with standards established by the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights jurisprudence which emphasises the protection of journalistic sources, freedom of expression, and the necessity of proportionality in any cases related to journalists and public watchdogs.

Our organisations will continue to monitor the implementation of the Court’s ruling and to support Albanian journalists in defending their rights.

Signed by:

SafeJournalists Network

Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Media Freedom Rapid Response partners

Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
ARTICLE 19 Europe

Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

This statement was coordinated by the SafeJournalists Network, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Library

TikTok ban in Albania threatens freedom of expression ahead…

SafeJournalists Network and Media Freedom Rapid Response: TikTok ban in Albania threatens freedom of expression ahead of general elections

SafeJournalists Network (SJN), the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners, and civil society organisations express serious concern regarding the Albanian Council of Ministers’ decision on March 6, 2025, to suspend nationwide access to the TikTok platform for 12 months. While we acknowledge the government’s stated intention to protect children from harmful content and safeguard personal data, we strongly underline that such protective measures must fully respect fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression, access to information, and due process.

11.03.2025

Freedom of Expression and Proportionality

We emphasise that a total platform ban represents an extreme restriction of the right to freedom of expression and access to information. An outright suspension of an entire platform significantly exceeds proportionality, impacting the legitimate expression of all users and restricting public debate and access to diverse sources of information.

Alternative targeted solutions, such as robust content moderation, age verification, and enhanced user education programs, should have been fully explored prior to introducing a total ban. This measure’s overly broad nature sets a dangerous precedent for disproportionate state interference with digital rights.

As an EU candidate country, Albania is expected to uphold European standards on rule of law and fundamental freedoms. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) framework emphasises platform accountability and content moderation transparency with a risk-based and proportionate approach. The DSA favours holding platforms accountable for managing risks on their services rather than punishing users by shutting the services down. We encourage Albania to align its approach with this paradigm.

Democratic and Electoral Concerns

With parliamentary elections approaching in May 2025, the timing of this suspension is particularly troubling. TikTok has become an emerging platform for political communication and voter engagement, especially for young people, first-time voters, and newly formed political parties and movements, who have argued that they will be disproportionately impacted. By limiting access to this platform, the government risks suppressing these emerging voices, diminishing political pluralism, and creating a chilling effect that may extend beyond TikTok users, affecting journalists, content creators, civil society activists, and civic watchdogs.

Due Process and Transparency

We note that the decision follows Prime Minister Rama’s public announcement in December 2024 indicating consultations with selected parents and educators. However, there remains insufficient publicly available evidence on these consultations’ scope, representativeness, and outcomes. We emphasise that decisions of this scale and significance should be based on thorough, transparent, and inclusive consultations involving civil society organisations, media organisations, industry, digital rights advocates, and affected communities.

Risks of Setting a Dangerous Precedent

We express concern that implementing a platform-wide ban creates a troubling precedent for Albania and the region. When governments claim broad authority to shut down popular platforms due to content concerns, they risk opening the door to further restrictions, threatening internet freedom more broadly. We urge the Albanian authorities to avoid establishing such a precedent, ensuring that future content issues are addressed through targeted, evidence-based, and proportionate measures.

Recommendations

We call on the Albanian government to immediately revoke the suspension of TikTok and initiate an inclusive and transparent consultation process involving parliament, civil society, media organisations, digital rights advocates, and international partners. This consultation should aim to develop a proportionate and evidence-based regulatory framework in line with European standards, particularly the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA). This approach will enable Albania to effectively address legitimate concerns about child safety and data privacy, while fully safeguarding freedom of expression, democratic discourse, and due process—especially critical in the context of the upcoming elections.

Signed by:

SafeJournalists Network

Association of BH journalists
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Macedonian Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Media Freedom Rapid Response partners:

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)

Civil society organisations in Albania:

Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV)
Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH-AJA)
Albanian Center for Quality Journalism (ACQJ)
Balkan Investigative Reporting Network in Albania (BIRN Albania)
Albanian Media Council
Res Publica
Citizens.al
Albanian Center MediaLook
Institute for Democracy and Mediation (IDM)
Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights in Albania (CRCA-ECPAT)

This statement was coordinated by the SafeJournalists Network and joined by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

Library

SafeJournalists and MFRR: Smear campaigns against independent media and…

SafeJournalists and MFRR: Smear campaigns against independent media and civil society organizations must stop

SafeJournalists Network and organizations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) strongly condemn the attacks on the Council of Media Ethics of Albania (KSHM) and the think tank – Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) that has issued a shadow report on media freedom in Albania, as well as on researcher Blerjana Bino.

In early October 2024, the Council of Media Ethics of Albania (KSHM) became the target of coordinated smear campaigns by two online platforms, Sot.com.al and Prapaskena.com. These incidents mark a disturbing trend of hostility toward independent media and civil society organizations, heightening concerns among watchdog groups and advocates for media freedom.

On 6 October, Prapaskena.com escalated the attacks by targeting Blerjana Bino, a SafeJournalists researcher and executive director of SCiDEV, along with the independent think tanks SCiDEV and OBCT. The attack came in response to their publication of a shadow report on media freedom in Albania. Published on 25 July, the report focused on the third section of the Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report, dedicated to media freedom and pluralism, to provide an updated analysis of the Albanian media landscape, including remaining and emerging challenges. Prapaskena.com slandered Bino, referring to her as “The ‘Spider’ of civil society funds” and falsely accusing her of producing biased reports on attacks against journalists. The picture of Bino used to illustrate the defamatory article also endangered Bino’s safety by inciting hatred against her. These defamatory attacks undermine the credibility of independent voices and organizations working to protect media freedom and uphold ethical journalism in Albania.

The initial attack, launched by Sot.com.al, followed a ruling by KSHM’s Board of Ethics regarding a complaint filed against the Sot media outlet. In what appeared to be a retaliatory move, Sot.com.al framed KSHM’s decision as a violation of press freedom, portraying the Board’s oversight as oppressive and unjust. This response not only distorts the role of KSHM in promoting ethical journalism but also threatens the integrity of the self-regulatory framework designed to uphold media standards. KSHM strongly condemned the article as slanderous, highlighting a concerning trend of media retaliation against regulatory bodies rather than engaging constructively with ethical standards in journalism.

Simultaneously, Prapaskena.com launched its attack, shortly after KSHM issued a public statement opposing the closure of online platforms in Albania. Echoing the rhetoric of Sot.com.al, Prapaskena.com used similar inflammatory language to discredit KSHM’s stance, further escalating the campaign against independent oversight and ethical journalism in the country.

These coordinated attacks, which aim to discredit ethical journalism and undermine the work of independent organizations and researchers in protecting media freedom and journalist safety in Albania, are deeply concerning and represent a broader trend of intimidation and hostility toward independent civil society in Albania. Such tactics harm not only the individuals and organizations involved but also the core principles of press freedom, transparency, and accountability that are fundamental to a democratic society.

SafeJournalists Network and the MFRR call for an immediate cessation of these attacks and urge all stakeholders to respect the role of independent self-regulatory bodies, think tanks, and researchers in promoting media freedom and integrity, ethical standards, and transparency in the media sector. To further strengthen an environment that is enabling media freedom and the safety of journalists, we welcome and support scientific scrutiny, and evidence-based and open dialogue on issues related to media freedom and the protection of journalists.

We stand in solidarity with KSHM, SCiDEV, and Blerjana Bino, and we call on the Albanian authorities to ensure that independent media and civil society organizations can carry out their vital work without fear of retaliation or defamation.

In addition, SafeJournalists Network and MFRR strongly defend their colleague Blerjana Bino and reaffirm their unwavering support for her critical, professional, and ethical work in advancing media freedom and transparency in Albania.

Signed by:

SafeJournalists Network

Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

Media Freedom Rapid Response

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

Event

Media Freedom in the Western Balkans: Challenges and Opportunities…

Media Freedom in the Western Balkans:

Challenges and Opportunities in the Framework of EU Enlargement

07 October, 11:00 CET.

Free and independent media play a key role in ensuring citizens’ right to information on issues of public interest and in holding power into account. A sound media system is thus a pillar of democracy and the rule of law.

Over the past years, the Media Freedom Rapid Response has noted a gradual deterioration of media freedom standards across EU member states and candidate countries. Common issues of concern include the increased interference of political powers in the governance of public service media, the lack of transparency in media ownership, precarious working conditions, and growing intimidation and threats against journalists and media professionals.

These concerns have prompted EU institutions to take action and introduce new legislative tools to address such trends, such as the anti-SLAPP directive and the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). While aiming to harmonize media freedom standards across member states, these newly adopted norms will have an impact on candidate countries, as they move forward in the alignment with the EU acquis as part of the accession process.

This webinar will present the updated results of two Shadow Reports on Media Freedom in Albania and Serbia prepared in collaboration with the Centre Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) and the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia. It will explore media freedom-related challenges and developments in the two candidate countries taking into consideration the ongoing negotiations to join the EU and the annual progress reports that the European Commission is expected to publish later in the autumn.

Moderator

Serena Epis

OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)

Opening Remarks

Cristina Caputo

Adriatic and Balkan Unit, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Maja Smrkolj

Political Desk Serbia DG NEAR, European Commission

Speakers

Tamara Filipović

Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)

Blerjana Bino

Centre Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV)

Final Remarks

Massimo Moratti

OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)

This webinar is produced as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response, a Europe-wide mechanism that tracks, monitors, and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and candidate countries. It also draws on the research and advocacy activities supported by the project “Transnational Advocacy for Freedom of Information in the Western Balkans – ATLIB” co-funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented in cooperation with SCiDEV and IJAS.

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Media in Albania, under the blows of power

The recent angry attack by the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama against a journalist has brought the constant pressure and intimidation that the power in Albania exerts on the media and media professionals back under the spotlight.

By Erion Gjatolli

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

A group of journalists and activists took to the streets in Tirana to voice their indignation against the arrogance of power and the ongoing attempts to limit press freedom in the country.

Investigative journalist Aurora Velaj urged her colleagues to gather in front of the Prime Minister’s office, reiterating the growing danger to press freedom in the country and the importance of being present in solidarity also for those who, for fear of repercussions at work, cannot actively participate.

Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama has come under accusation for attacking journalist Ambrozia Meta, who was rejected with an angry gesture from Rama, just before the latter abruptly left a group of journalists gathered to collect the his statements.

What made the Prime Minister nervous were the journalist’s pressing questions about an investment project on the Albanian coast by Jared Kushner, and the accusations of favoritism linked to his family connection with Donald Trump and his previous position as advisor at the White House.

Together with the controversial construction project of the Gaza seafront, Kushner’s company has also planned the construction of 10,000 housing units also on the Albanian island of Saseno, a protected area until a few weeks ago.

While Rama dismissed the incident as an “imaginary assault”, refusing to issue an apology, Meta expressed her disappointment, underlining the Prime Minister’s chronic arrogance towards journalists.

In fact, the episode is certainly not isolated, as already in 2022 Rama had temporarily denied Ambrozia Meta access to his press conferences. On another occasion, when Meta asked a question at a press conference about a socialist MP arrested for corruption, the Prime Minister responded by suggesting a period of “re-education” for her, once again avoiding addressing the issue directly.

In a similar story, journalist Kelvin Muka was excluded from press conferences after asking the Prime Minister to comment on a case of conflict of interest of then Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka, whose spouse had been awarded a strategic investment project, again a luxury resort on the coast of southern Albania.

The director of the NGO Citizen Channel, Lorin Kadiu, present at the demonstration, told OBCT that the use of intimidating language, including sometimes inappropriate gestures, has become an ordinary reaction when the Albanian Prime Minister is called to account for inconvenient matters of particular public interest.

“For me, this protest represents an act of rebellion on the part of journalists, who have been prevented from carrying out their role properly”, commented Kadiu.

Beyond Rama: attacks against journalists become a widespread trend in Albanian politics

Hostility towards journalists in Albania is not limited to the Prime Minister. In recent months, the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, has come under criticism for his denigration of investigative journalist Ola Xama. After reporting for the Balkan Investigative Journalism Network (BIRN) on the mayor’s alleged involvement in a serious case of corruption over waste management, Xama was defined by Veliaj as a “militant” and “hired killer”.

The statements were followed by a broader smear campaign, culminating in recent weeks with several news sites close to the government publishing articles characterised by a concerning level of sexist verbal violence, including online harassment, aimed at Xama and her family, “slut-shaming”, and the disclosure of the journalist’s home address.

As journalist Isa Myzyraj highlighted in his speech at the event, many politicians have adopted the disparaging language used by national leaders against the press.

In fact, in recent days, the socialist mayor of the peripheral city of Rrogozhine, upon hearing the news that he was being investigated for vote-buying, harshly attacked the media, taking up an expression used by Premier Rama who defined them as “rubbish bins”.

“The Prime Minister’s language towards journalists has become alarming in recent years, but now it has also reached the point of physical gestures, putting journalists at risk in their daily work. On the other hand, the institutions must shed light on every case of intimidation, since every action against journalists is an act against freedom of the press”, tells us Myzyraj, a young journalist with an ongoing defamation lawsuit brought by the former chief prosecutor of Tirana, now removed from the judiciary following the judicial reform, and a recent anti-Semitic and homophobic death threat, received via email to the editorial staff.

“This protest is first and foremost about the safety of journalists. In Albania, journalists are not safe” – concludes Myzyraj.

Albania lags behind in Europe and the Balkans

The climate of media intimidation in Albania has attracted criticism from international observers, with Reporters Without Borders placing Albania second to last in Europe and last in the Western Balkans in 2023 in terms of press freedom.

The organisation found that journalists face threats from organised crime, suffer frequent political attacks aimed at discrediting them and face obstacles in accessing public information held by the government.

The most recent EU report confirmed that the intersection of economic and political interests, combined with intimidation and precarious working conditions, continues to undermine media independence and the quality of journalism, while the atmosphere characterised by verbal and physical attacks, smear campaigns and reckless lawsuits against journalists has not improved.

The power of propaganda: news media as a tool of government

According to BIRN, the Albanian government has achieved unprecedented levels of control over the media in the country. The most recent Media Ownership Monitor revealed that the media market in Albania, where the boundaries between media, politics and economics have always been blurred, remains highly concentrated.

The top four owners in the Albanian television market reach audiences between 48.93% and 58.60%. The incessant attacks against critical journalists or the Prime Minister’s gesture towards Ambrozia Meta represent only the surface of an oppressive policy implemented by the government to limit freedom of expression.

Gjergj Erebara, editor of BIRN Albania, explains to OBCT that defining the media as simply biased or mere instruments of government propaganda would be a euphemistic underestimation of reality.

“They are rather 120% under the thumb of government propaganda and disinformation”, says Erebara, without hiding the regret that while the journalists were protesting, the media they work for did not report the demonstration.

A context that leaves journalists powerless in their role as public informants and even when they manage to inform citizens, after overcoming censorship and economic threats, they become easy targets of personal attacks.

“And you can’t help but notice how the attacks are also gendered. In a country where sexism and homophobia are widespread phenomena, female journalists who dare to tell the truth are labeled as whores, while critical journalists are labelled as homosexuals by government media”, adds Erebara.

These behaviors do not only reinforce already rooted prejudices and discrimination, but perpetuate a culture of intimidation that becomes an obstacle to women’s participation in public life.

“In short, in a media landscape where the owners, complicit in political corruption, control every voice, the few journalists who remain faithful to ethical principles and the defence of fundamental human values become targets of the worst possible attacks”, concludes Erebera.

This article was published by OBCT as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and candidate countries.

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Albania: SPAK must respect source protection in case of…

Albania: SPAK must respect source protection in case of journalist Elton Qyno

The MFRR partners today join our partners in the Safe Journalists Network and Reporters Without Borders to express our concerns over the recent actions taken by Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and their decision to seize journalist Elton Qyno’s equipment and to pressure him to reveal his sources.

Mr. Altin Dumani

Head of the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK)

Re: The case of journalist Elton Qyno

Dear Mr. Dumani,

We at SafeJournalists Network, the partner organizations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response and Reporters Without Borders, are writing to express our concerns over the recent actions taken by SPAK against journalist Elton Qyno. The decision to seize Mr. Qyno’s equipment and pressure him to reveal his sources is a matter of significant alarm for us as organizations dedicated to the protection of the rights of journalists, media freedom, and journalistic integrity. The actions taken against Mr. Qyno, including the inspection of his residence and office and the seizure of his personal and professional equipment, set a worrying precedent. Such measures will impact journalist’s rights and media freedom in Albania and beyond.

We recognize the necessity of legal compliance in judicial processes. However, balancing this with the internationally recognized principle of the protection of journalistic sources is imperative. This principle is not only critical to the rights of journalists but is also essential to the public’s right to information and the overall health of a democratic society.

Given these considerations, we urge SPAK to reassess its approach in this case. Returning the seized equipment to Mr. Qyno and ceasing all efforts to uncover his sources would demonstrate understanding, respecting, and upholding media freedom and the protection of journalistic sources in Albania. This approach would align with the standards established by the European Court of Human Rights and other international entities dedicated to media freedom.

We appeal to your office to prioritize the protection of journalistic sources, which is crucial for maintaining press freedom and democratic principles. The relationship of trust between journalists, their sources, the public, and law enforcement depends heavily on the respect and upholding of these values.

We thank you for your attention to this matter and look forward to a resolution that upholds media freedom and protects journalistic sources in Albania. Our organizations will continue to monitor the situation closely and report any further developments.

Signed by:

SafeJournalists Network
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom
European Federation of Journalists
Free Press Unlimited
International Press Institute
OBC Transeuropa
Reporters Without Borders

This statement was coordinated by the SafeJournalists Network and signed by the partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and candidate countries.

Library

Urgent measures needed to safeguard journalists in Albania

In the wake of recent events, the SafeJournalists Network (SJN) and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) join hands to bring attention to the alarming situation plaguing media freedom in Albania. The state of press freedom in the country has taken a disheartening turn, posing an imminent threat to the safety and well-being of journalists.

The partners in the SafeJournalists Network (SJN) and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), as organisations dedicated to the protection of media freedom and the rights of journalists, are deeply concerned by recent events in Albania, which not only highlight a deteriorating environment for press freedom, but also pose a severe threat to the safety of journalists and their ability to inform the public. We call on the Albanian authorities and the international community to condemn these attacks against press freedom and to ensure the safety of journalists in Albania.

The verbal assault on BIRN Albania journalist Ola Xama by Tirana’s Mayor, Erion Veliaj, in response to her investigative report on corruption is not only unacceptable but also undermines the very fabric of free speech and press freedom. A democratic society is built on the principles of transparency and accountability, and the Mayor’s behaviour sets a dangerous precedent for public discourse. It is the duty of public officials to respond to investigative reports with professionalism and respect for the role of journalism in holding power accountable, not with attacks on journalists’ credibility.

The threats received by Marsi Korreshi and her SYRI TV crew in Rrogozhina during their coverage of a political event further underscore the precarious situation faced by journalists in Albania. Although police responded quickly to the incident, it’s alarming that members of the media are facing intimidation and threats simply for carrying out their professional duties.

Lastly, former Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s attempt to discredit BIRN Albania, a reputable and independent media organisation, presents a serious threat to media freedom in Albania. His allegations, made without evidence, not only attempts to undermine the credibility of an important news outlet but may also incite further attacks against media freedom and journalists’ safety. Moreover, his actions could foster an environment where disinformation thrives, which is detrimental to the public’s right to accurate and factual information.

Journalists should be able to work in an environment free from intimidation, threats and violence. We call on all public officials in Albania to act responsibly, respect the role of the media, and refrain from engaging in personal attacks and unfounded accusations against journalists.

The role of the media in a democratic society is paramount. The public depends on free and independent media for information, holding power accountable, and contributing to public discourse. Therefore, any attempts to undermine the media should be viewed as an attack on democracy itself. It is our collective responsibility to protect and uphold press freedom, and we stand in solidarity with journalists in Albania.