On June 25, 2025, SCiDEV, in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the Embassy of the Netherlands, hosted a high-level roundtable in Shkodra titled “Strengthening Dialogue for Journalist Safety: A Multistakeholder Discussion on Strengthening Safeguards and Protection of Journalists.“ The event brought together journalists, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and international experts to discuss ongoing challenges and practical solutions for improving journalist safety and media freedom in Albania.
The roundtable was opened by Giulia Re, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Tirana, who highlighted recent institutional commitments and emphasized the significance of continuous, structured dialogue between journalists and authorities. Ambassador Reinout Vos of the Netherlands stressed that ensuring journalist safety is integral to democracy and Albania’s European integration process, commending the multistakeholder approach and the extension of discussions beyond Tirana to cities like Shkodra.
Moderating the event, Safe Journalists Researcher and SCiDEV’s Executive Director, Dr. Blerjana Bino, recognized the courage and dedication of journalists and emphasized institutional and international commitments to journalist protection. Bino reiterated the importance of sustained dialogue, institutional accountability, and multi-sector cooperation, as well as the establishment of a rapid response mechanism for better protection for journalists under attack.
In the interactive session, journalists shared powerful personal testimonies. Esiona Konomi (Association of Journalists of Albania) emphasized the trust gap with authorities, urging concrete institutional actions. Investigative journalist Anila Hoxha highlighted persistent unresolved cases of attacks and threats against journalists, calling for greater accountability. Shkodra-based journalists Simon Shkreli, Senad Nikshiqi, and Bepin Kolvataj voiced concerns over precarious working conditions, institutional failures, self-censorship, economic vulnerability, and inadequate protective mechanisms. They collectively called for stronger institutional responses, newsroom solidarity, and professional dignity.
Key institutional representatives offered updates on recent initiatives. Kostaq Beluri from the General Prosecution Office acknowledged existing gaps and affirmed prioritizing cases involving journalists. Elion Mustafaj, Chief Prosecutor in Fier, shared positive experiences from enhanced cooperation following previous SCiDEV-led dialogue, while Albert Murcaj, Shkodra’s Chief Prosecutor, publicly pledged to initiate regular engagements with local media. Representatives from the State Police detailed the implementation of a dedicated Journalist Safety Protocol and institutionalized training at the Security Academy, emphasizing strengthened collaboration with social media platforms like META to combat digital threats.
Read the complete Summary provided by SCiDEV here.