Actual attack towards journalist Gentian Këllçiu, 04.02.2026, Vlora

Actual attack towards journalist Gentian Këllçiu, 04.02.2026, Vlora

Translations: Tirana 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Tirana
  • Who was attacked?
    Journalist
  • Gender
    Man
  • Victim(s) name
    G.K
  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Syri TV
  • Type of media platform
    Television
    Freelancer
  • Source of information about the incident
    General Directory of Police
  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    04.02.2026
  • City
    Vlore
  • Were authorities informed?
    Case was reported to the police
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (convicted)
  • Attacked by
    (ordinary) citizens
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    In person
  • Type of incident
    Actual attacks on journalists
  • Type of attack
    Attack resulting in physical harm
  • Action by the authorities

  • Police action
    Police specialists from the Vlora Police Commissariat have referred case materials to the Prosecutor’s Office at the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction in Vlora, concerning the criminal offences of “Assault due to duty” and “Intentional minor injury,” against citizen A.H., 33, a resident of Vlora.
  • Legal status of the case
    Indictment filed by the prosecutor
  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Unknown

According to official information, on 4 February 2026, at around 12:30, in the neighbourhood of “Kushtrimi” in Vlora, a protest was taking place involving employees of the Municipal Greenery Enterprise of the Vlora Municipality. Journalists from various media outlets were present to report on the event.

During the protest, the suspect A.H., allegedly under the influence of alcohol, reportedly initiated a verbal confrontation, which later escalated into a physical attack against Gentian Këllçiu, 33, a journalist covering the situation.

The suspect was escorted to the Vlora Police Commissariat and, following initial investigative actions and communication with the on-duty prosecutor, was placed under criminal proceedings while remaining at liberty. The case materials have been forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for further action.