The SafeJournalists Network expresses serious concern over another reported incident involving police use of force against a journalist covering the ongoing protests in Tirana. On 24 October, News24 journalist Klevin Muka reportedly suffered burns after being exposed to water containing an irritating substance deployed by the Albanian State Police.
According to media reports and the journalist’s own account, Muka experienced intense burning sensations after being exposed to water discharged by a police water cannon. He also reported that he had contacted ambulance services but received no medical assistance. On 20 October, Muka had also reportedly been pushed by police officers while attempting to access the protest.
According to the Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH), a member of the SafeJournalists Network, 43 incidents involving journalists and media outlets have now been reported since the protests escalated on 13 October, including physical violence, threats, obstruction of reporting and verbal attacks by political representatives.
Klevin Muka’s injury is the latest in a series of incidents that have continued despite repeated warnings and direct appeals for institutional action. On 14 October, the SafeJournalists Network condemned reported police violence against journalists and, together with partner organizations, issued an open letter to Albania’s highest institutions, demanding independent investigations, preventive measures and parliamentary oversight. As further incidents followed, the Network’s 18 October statement raised serious concerns about failures in police supervision and accountability. These concerns have since prompted a broader international response. On 22 October, leading international and European media freedom and human rights organizations joined Albanian and regional organizations in a collective appeal demanding independent investigations, institutional accountability and concrete measures to safeguard fundamental rights and civic freedoms in Albania.
Despite these repeated appeals from national, regional and leading international organizations, the relevant Albanian authorities have yet to provide a substantive response or account for the measures taken to investigate the reported violations and prevent their recurrence. That another journalist has been injured just two days after the latest collective appeal further underscores the urgency of concrete institutional action and accountability.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the Albanian State Police and the Ministry of Interior to immediately clarify the circumstances of Klevin Muka’s injury, identify the officers and units involved, preserve relevant evidence and implement effective measures to protect journalists during police operations. The Police Oversight Agency (AMP) and competent prosecution authorities must ensure prompt, independent and effective investigations into allegations of unlawful or disproportionate force, including possible failures in police supervision, while the relevant health authorities must clarify the reported lack of medical assistance. The authorities must also provide a transparent account of the measures taken in response to previous incidents and explain how further violations will be prevented.
Protecting journalists during demonstrations is a fundamental state obligation. Journalists must be able to report freely and safely, including when documenting police operations.
The SafeJournalists Network stands in solidarity with Klevin Muka and all journalists and media workers affected by the ongoing protests and will continue monitoring the authorities’ response.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 24 October 2026
Association of Journalists of Albania
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
