The Association of Journalists of Albania has condemned the obstruction of journalists by the State Police, saying it undermines their freedom and citizens’ right to be informed. In a statement, AGSH said officers have set up security cordons to block journalists. The association has documented 40 cases of attacks against journalists. It demands accountability from State Police chief Skënder Hita, as the obstruction of journalists is unjustifiable.
Statement of the Association of Journalists of Albania
The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) strongly condemns the actions of the State Police, which continues to unacceptably obstruct journalists and television crews in carrying out their duties.
While events are unfolding hundreds of meters away, the State Police sets up cordons to block journalists, denying them the opportunity to document and report what is happening.
This is not protection of public order. This is direct obstruction of media freedom and of citizens’ right to be informed.
Following 40 documented incidents over the past few days, in which journalists have been assaulted, threatened, hit with rubber bullets and systematically obstructed by police officers, this situation is intolerable.
The Director General of the State Police must take responsibility for the actions of the structures he leads. There can be no more justifications for the continued obstruction of journalists and the violation of their fundamental rights.
AGSH calls on all Albanian media and newsroom leaders to respond publicly and unequivocally to the violence and obstruction against their journalists.
The silence of the media in the face of violence against their journalists is an abandonment of those who risk their personal safety every day to inform the public.