SafeJournalists Network expresses concern over reports that journalists and media workers were exposed to force while covering the public protest in Tirana on 24 January 2026.
Journalists present at the protest were performing their professional duty to inform the public. The use of tear gas, high-pressure water, or other crowd-control measures in areas where media workers were operating, as it was reported in the media, placed their safety at risk and undermined freedom of expression and the public’s right to information. Reported incidents in the media, including the alleged spraying of photoreporter Felix Bilani and use of high-pressure water against journalist Marsi Korreshi while on duty, illustrate broader risks faced by journalists covering public assemblies.
SafeJournalists Network expresses solidarity with all journalists, camera operators, and photojournalists affected while carrying out their work.
We recall that the authorities bear the primary obligation to protect journalists during public assemblies. In this context, we underline that the State Police has adopted a specific protocol on the safety of journalists, including during protests, which must be effectively implemented in practice. We therefore demand a swift and transparent response from the State Police regarding the events of 24 January, including clarification on whether the protocol was respected, identification of any failures, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The SafeJournalists Network stresses that media organisations and newsroom leadership have a clear responsibility to protect their staff. Assigning journalists to cover high-risk protests without adequate preparation, risk assessment, or protective equipment exposes them to serious harm. Newsrooms must take concrete measures to ensure the safety of journalists, camera operators, and photojournalists, including safety planning, appropriate equipment, and clear editorial responsibility for risk management.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform relevant national and international actors about this case.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, January 26, 2026
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
The source: IJAS
Photo by: Canva
