The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern over the threats directed against journalist Piro Nase, local reporter of Report TV in Gjirokastër, south of Albania. 

According to Nase’s declarations, on 1 October 2025, following his reporting on the suspension of the Head of Crimes Police in Përmet, a town in south of Albania, he received threatening phone calls from individuals believed to be relatives of the suspended official. It was further reported that the threats extended to his minor daughter, and that Nase has filed two denunciations with the local police.

According to the State Police, in both cases, the first concerning Nase and the second involving his minor daughter, suspects were identified and materials referred to the Prosecution, with the legal qualification listed as “insult”. The SafeJournalists Network welcomes the immediate reaction of the police, but notes with concern that the case involves threats against a journalist and his family and should be legally qualified in a manner that reflects the gravity of the situation, rather than limited to “insult”.

Threats are unacceptable, particularly when directed at journalists for carrying out their professional duties in the public interest. They are even more concerning when those allegedly involved are linked to law enforcement structures, as the police are entrusted with protecting citizens, including journalists. In smaller local communities, where social ties are close and pressures stronger, reporting on sensitive issues such as cases of sexual abuse of minors or the role of alleged perpetrators requires courage and a high level of professional responsibility. Journalists have a duty to report such matters ethically and with care.

The SafeJournalists Network calls on the Albanian authorities to ensure that the ongoing investigations are conducted in a thorough and prompt manner and that effective measures are taken to guarantee the safety of Piro Nase and his family.

We stand in solidarity with all journalists in Albania who, despite hard working conditions and the challenges of working under pressure, carry out their work with integrity and responsibility to guarantee that citizens have access to  reliable information.

Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, October 3, 2025

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

The source: IJAS

Photo by: Canva