The SafeJournalists Network expresses grave concern over escalating violence and obstruction affecting journalists covering Albania’s student-led uprising since 13 October 2026, with at least 17 documented incidents in the first five days, involving police officers and protesters. The repeated interference with journalists documenting police conduct raises serious concerns about the exercise of police authority, operational supervision and accountability.
The Network is particularly alarmed by police interference with journalists documenting police operations. One journalist was reportedly beaten by several officers while filming the use of force against a student, despite identifying himself as a journalist. Other identifiable media crews have been pushed, threatened with detention, prevented from filming or exposed to police crowd-control measures. On 17 October, journalists attempting to question the General Director of the State Police were reportedly physically obstructed by unidentified masked individuals in his presence, without his intervention.
Despite the SafeJournalists alert and the joint open letter issued on 14 October by European, regional and Albanian media freedom and civil society organizations, further incidents followed. This escalation adds to the cumulative pressure on journalists, civil society and other public watchdogs during the past four months of civic mobilization in Albania, with serious implications for independent reporting and civic space.
We acknowledge that the Police Oversight Agency (AMP) has begun examining alleged police misconduct and that seven officers have reportedly been suspended. However, it remains unclear whether these measures concern incidents involving journalists or what action is being taken to prevent further violations.
The central concern is not only the conduct of individual officers but whether police leadership and oversight institutions are willing and able to stop repeated violations, enforce the existing Guidelines for the Safety of Journalists adopted in May 2025, and ensure that journalists can document the exercise of public authority without interference or fear.
We are equally concerned by political rhetoric that risks delegitimizing independent reporting and fuelling hostility towards journalists and public watchdogs. During the unrest, the Prime Minister attributed events to “foreign hands” and a “paid” group and, on 18 October, criticized television coverage portraying police officers as perpetrators of violence. Such rhetoric risks discrediting journalistic scrutiny of alleged police abuses. All political actors must refrain from stigmatizing journalists, civil society and peaceful demonstrators and uphold their fundamental freedoms.
Journalists have also faced attacks and equipment damage from protesters, while two women journalists were struck on the head by stones thrown during confrontations, without indications that they were deliberately targeted. SafeJournalists condemns all violence and calls for respect for the fundamental right to peaceful assembly. The police must protect journalists from attacks by others while ensuring that their own use of force is lawful, necessary and proportionate.
We call on the Albanian authorities to take immediate, coordinated and effective action to guarantee journalists’ safety and their right to report freely, including when documenting police operations. All reported incidents of violence, intimidation and obstruction must be promptly and independently investigated, with evidence preserved, responsibility established and those responsible held accountable. Effective institutional oversight, including parliamentary scrutiny, must address failures in police command and supervision, ensure transparency and prevent further violations.
We call on European and international partners, including the EU, European Parliament, Council of Europe, OSCE and diplomatic missions, to engage with journalists, media organisations and civil society, and press Albanian authorities for accountability and effective protection.
The SafeJournalists Network stands in solidarity with all affected journalists and media workers and will continue monitoring the situation and institutional responses.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 18 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
