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Journalist threatened during protest

2026-06-22 12:23:00, Aktualitet CNA

Journalist Osman Stafa has reported to the police that he was attacked and intimidated by several citizens during the protest the previous day.

Journalist Stafa has told the "SafeJournalists" network that he has been verbally attacked with serious insults because of his work by people he did not know.

"I was verbally attacked with serious insults because of my work as a journalist. During the protest march I was walking together with two foreign journalists and their translator. I was worried and felt unsafe. I did not know these people. I have filed a police report and will continue to pursue the case," the journalist told "Safe Journalists".

"SafeJournalists" condemned the attack, while calling on the authorities for a swift and impartial investigation.

SafeJournalists Network's response:

The "SafeJournalists" network in Albania expresses concern about the reported verbal attack and physical intimidation against journalist Osman Stafa, on the evening of June 21, 2026, in the center of Tirana, following the civic protest.

The network calls for a prompt, impartial and effective investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident. Journalists must be able to report on protests, document developments of public interest and participate in the public debate without being exposed to intimidation, insults or physical confrontation.

According to the Police statement, the incident occurred at around 22:00 near Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, where the police were notified of a conflict between several people. The staff member filed a report at Police Station No. 3, claiming that he was insulted and suffered minor injuries from unknown persons, who attacked him and the group consisting of two journalists and their translator, with whom he was. The police also questioned the persons suspected of the insults and the attack, who gave a different version of the event. Subsequently, the authorities announced that investigative actions are continuing under the direction of the Prosecutor's Office.

Staffa told the SafeJournalists Network: “I was verbally attacked with serious insults because of my work as a journalist. During the protest march I was walking together with two foreign journalists and their translator. I was worried and felt unsafe. I did not know these people. I have filed a police report and will continue to pursue the case.”

In a tense civic and political environment, all actors must avoid language or behaviors that could put journalists at risk or further compromise their safety.

The SafeJournalists Network will continue to follow the case and expects a clear institutional response. Any attack on journalists is an attack on media freedom and democratic values./CNA