TIRANA, July 2 /ATA/ – The Union of Journalists (UGSH) on Thursday condemned the verbal and physical attacks against reporters, camera operators and other media workers covering a protest outside parliament, calling on authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
In a statement, the Union said assaults on journalists, media equipment and news vehicles were unacceptable and constituted criminal acts that should not be tolerated.
“Interference with reporters’ microphones, attacks on camera equipment and aggression against media personnel carrying out their professional duties are punishable actions,” the union said, urging affected journalists to document and publicly report incidents of intimidation and violence.
UGSH called on the State Police to investigate all cases involving attacks, threats or attempts to obstruct journalists in the course of their work, regardless of the media outlet they represent.
The organization said journalists covering demonstrations in Tirana had been clearly identified through professional credentials and media insignia, making any attacks against them particularly concerning.
It also urged protest organizers to assume responsibility for what it described as acts of harassment, obstruction and aggression directed at media workers during the demonstration.
The Union further called on the country’s top police officials and the interior minister to ensure the protection of journalists and investigate allegations that some police officers had verbally accused reporters of working on behalf of foreign interests despite their official identification.
UGSH said today’s events represented one of the most serious recent incidents affecting media freedom and the safety of journalists, noting that it had previously warned about growing verbal hostility toward reporters on social media platforms and in parts of the media landscape.
The organization described the incidents as a troubling setback for press freedom and the right of journalists to report freely from public events and political demonstrations.
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