TIRANA, July 3 /ATA/ – The Albanian Journalists’ Union (UGSH) on Friday condemned what it described as violence and intimidation against journalists covering recent protests outside parliament, calling on authorities to investigate those responsible.
The Union said it had received complaints from journalists alleging assaults and obstruction while reporting on clashes between protesters and police.
In a statement, UGSH urged the State Police to hold accountable any officers who use force against journalists carrying out their duties. It cited the alleged assault of photojournalist Vlasov Sulaj and the reported obstruction of reporter Kleida Muka as cases that should be investigated.
The organisation also warned that hostile and hate-filled rhetoric targeting journalists on social media and some online platforms poses a threat to press freedom and independent reporting.
UGSH further condemned the reported assault on political commentator Ilir Demalia, saying it was unacceptable that those responsible had not yet been detained.
The Union called on both police and protesters to refrain from violence and verbal abuse against journalists, while urging law enforcement authorities to investigate and prosecute attacks and threats against media workers performing their professional duties.
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