Tensions at the protest in front of the Parliament/ AGSH condemns attacks on media workers

2026-07-03 11:59:00, Aktualitet CNA

Tensions at the protest in front of the Parliament/ AGSH condemns attacks on

Thursday's protest was marked by tensions between protesters and police, with the latter using tear gas and water cannons. However, what has raised concerns are the serious incidents against media representatives on the ground.

The Journalists Association of Albania has strongly condemned all acts of violence and obstruction of journalists during the July 2 protest in the capital, whether by law enforcement or by the protesters themselves. According to reports and footage documented by AGSH, several journalists and photojournalists from various television stations and agencies were violated and obstructed by State Police officers. Regarding these episodes, AGSH calls on the Police Supervision Agency to launch full investigations against the officers involved without delay.

Meanwhile, unacceptable attacks by protesters have also been recorded. Television crews and field journalists have been physically assaulted and obstructed during their live reporting by unidentified protesters, as well as by individuals reportedly belonging to the “Albania Becomes” party.

AGSH calls on the State Police to identify and punish according to the law the perpetrators of these attacks. The Association reiterates that the safety of media workers is a fundamental element for freedom of information and any act of intimidation against them must be punished without exception.

AGSH's reaction

The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) strongly condemns all acts of violence and obstruction of journalists during the protest held on July 2 in Tirana, regardless of who committed them.

According to reports collected by AGSH and documented footage, Syri TV journalist Fatjon Gjinaj was raped by State Police officers and obstructed while performing his duties. Also, ATSH photojournalist Andrin Hoxha, whose camera was attempted to be taken away and obstructed while working, and NurPhoto photojournalist Vlasov Sulaj, were physically assaulted while performing their duties.

AGSH calls on the Police Oversight Agency (AMP) to immediately launch full and independent investigations into the conduct of State Police officers towards journalists and to hold accountable any police officer who has used violence or obstructed the work of the media.

We also condemn the attacks by protesters on journalists. According to information made public and verified by AGSH, protester Arbër Lleshaj physically assaulted Top Channel journalist Muhamed Veliu while performing his duties.

Meanwhile, Top News journalist Kleida Muka was obstructed and physically assaulted by unidentified protesters during a live report.

Also, according to Ora News, protesters obstructed and physically assaulted the television crew, journalist Bekim Bici and cameraman Atilio Bleta, while the television station stated that the people involved were members of the "Shqipëria Bëhet" party.

AGSH asks the State Police to identify and hold legally accountable all perpetrators of attacks on journalists and media workers.

The Journalists Association of Albania reiterates that the safety of journalists, photojournalists and media workers and the right to report freely are fundamental elements of media freedom and the public's right to be informed. Any act of violence or intimidation against them is unacceptable and must be investigated and punished without exception./CNA