The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns intimidation and obstruction faced by journalists across Albania on 11 May 2025, during the country’s parliamentary elections.
In Tirana, Syri TV journalist Ambrozia Meta was verbally attacked and physically confronted by Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe while reporting on an unmarked office allegedly used by party patronage workers. As the Syri TV team approached, individuals inside the office attempted to flee, covering their faces. MP Braçe arrived shortly after, directing verbal insults at Meta and her crew, and made physical contact with the journalist during the confrontation. When questioned about his presence at the scene, Braçe responded aggressively, ordering the journalists to leave and referring to them in a derogatory manner.
In Pogradec, MCN TV correspondent Elsa Xhindole was subjected to physical aggression at voting center VC 39/01. An unidentified individual forcibly took her mobile phone and deleted election-related materials and videos. Xhindole reported that her phone was taken by force twice, resulting in the loss of all her recordings. The incident was reported to the police authorities.
In Saranda, EuroNews Albania journalist Enriko Gaba was instructed by election officials at “Adem Sheme’ Voting Center not to film for more than 15 minutes, an arbitrary limitation restricting the media’s right to observe and report on the electoral process. A similar situation was marked in Durrës, at Voting Center 1486, where members of the Voting Center Commission did not allow accredited media observers to carry out media reporting on the voting process.
In Gjirokastër, the journalist Armando Rabi was threatened while performing his duties. A 26-year-old man from a local village allegedly threatened Rabi, claiming that the journalist was filming him without consent. The incident led to a criminal proceeding initiated by the Gjirokastër Police, with materials referred to the Prosecutor’s Office for further action.
These actions represent serious media freedom violations and the public’s right to information during elections. The SafeJournalists Network calls on Albanian authorities to promptly and transparently investigate these cases and ensure legal consequences for all violations. Politicians, public officials, and citizens must respect the fundamental role of the media in safeguarding electoral integrity and public accountability.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform national and international stakeholders about these troubling developments and continue to monitor the situation closely.
Any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 12 May 2025
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
The source: IJAS
Photo by: Canva
