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Safe Journalists condemns lynching campaign against journalists reporting on SPAK, corruption and organized crime

2026-02-26 22:04:00, Aktualitet CNA

Safe Journalists condemns lynching campaign against journalists reporting on

The SafeJournalists Network (SJN) expresses serious concern about the ongoing campaign of online lynching and coordinated harassment targeting journalists Anila Hoxha and Klodiana Lala, whose reporting on the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), high-level corruption, and organized crime issues clearly serves the public interest.

The scale of the spread and the degrading, gender-based tone of a large portion of the comments exceed the limits of legitimate criticism and demonstrate a pattern of intimidation that risks creating a chilling effect on investigative journalism. Public comments formulated in this way may further incite harassment, hostile behavior, or attempts to mobilize online attacks against female journalists.

Journalists covering corruption and organized crime are particularly exposed to pressure and vindictive narratives due to the sensitivity and impact of their reporting. Sexual insinuations, reputational attacks and coordinated online abuse undermine not only the safety and dignity of the journalists concerned, but also democratic accountability and public trust in independent scrutiny of powerful actors.

SafeJournalists Network expresses its full solidarity with Anila Hoxha, Klodiana Lala and all journalists working in the public interest to hold government accountable. We call on public figures and media professionals to refrain from rhetoric that incites harassment, gender-based attacks or attempts to denigrate colleagues. Professional disagreements should never turn into campaigns of intimidation or personal degradation.

Journalists have a special responsibility to uphold ethical standards and protect the integrity of the profession. Normalizing lynching tactics against reporters who cover corruption and organized crime weakens not only individuals, but also the credibility of the media as a whole and its function of democratic oversight.

We also call on Albanian public officials, political actors, media representatives and relevant institutions to clearly distance themselves from such rhetoric and to actively contribute to creating a safe and enabling environment for independent reporting.

SJN will continue to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to supporting journalists who face pressure and threats while performing their professional duties.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, February 26, 2026

Journalists' Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kosovo Journalists Association

Macedonian Journalists Association

Croatian Journalists Association

Independent Journalists Association of Serbia

Media Union of Montenegro./ CNA





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