The SafeJournalists Network is increasingly concerned about the rising trend in Albania, where government officials blame the media for allegedly damaging the country’s image rather than engaging with legitimate journalistic inquiries. This approach often involves dismissing legitimate questions, discrediting journalists, and using inflammatory language that undermines the essential role of the media in a democratic society.

Recent examples illustrate this concerning pattern:

• On August 28, 2024, during a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku dismissed questions about the security of the Port of Durrës for hazardous waste exportation, accusing journalist Ermal Rizaj of political bias and scripted questions and deflecting attention by attacking the media outlet’s ownership.
• On August 24, 2024, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism issued a joint statement accusing media outlets of fabricating reports on hazardous waste exportation, suggesting these were efforts to harm the government’s reputation.
• In June 2024, Prime Minister Edi Rama criticized an investigative report by Rai 3, calling it a baseless attack on Albania’s image. He also targeted media outlets in Albania for rebroadcasting the report, accusing them of spreading disinformation. He has also labeled certain media “sewage media,” further discrediting their work.

These incidents seem part of a broader narrative deflecting criticism by discrediting the media and limiting public scrutiny of government actions. This narrative not only deflects from addressing significant public concerns but also discourages transparency and accountability among government officials.

The SafeJournalists Network calls on the Albanian government to cease these attacks on the media and to engage with journalists in a manner that respects their role as watchdogs of democracy, in good faith and in a constructive manner. Journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or censorship, ensuring that the public remains well-informed and those in power are held accountable.

The SafeJournalists Network will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate for protecting journalists’ rights and media freedom in Albania and beyond.

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

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 30th August 2024

The source: IJAS

Photo by: Canva