| Country | AL |
| Name and Surname | Afrovita Hysaj |
| Gender | Female |
| Date | 24/10/2023 |
| City / Location | Vlora |
| Type of incident | Other threats to journalists |
| Name of the perpetrator | Channel 6+1 Vlora |
| Type of media | Radio and television online |
| Media name | Channel 6+1 Vlora |
| Source | Union of Albanian Journalists |
| Legal closure | Ongoing (or case not closed) |
| Was journalist`s association informed | Yes |
Earlier today, on October 24th, 2023, Channel 6+1 Vlora posted a status on their Facebook account that directly targeted journalist Afrovita Hysaj. The content of this status is highly unethical and undermines the journalist’s reputation and professionalism.
The language and vocabulary used in this status flagrantly violate the ethical standards of journalism. It publicly defames and targets a media professional, damaging public discourse and contravening the responsibilities of public communication. This incident represents an unprecedented attack on a local journalist by a media outlet.
SafeJournalists Albania strongly urges Channel 6+1 Vlora to promptly retract the statement and issue a public apology. We emphasize the importance of adhering to the principles of journalism ethics and the safeguarding of media personnel.
Updates on the case from the Police Directorate of Vlora:
Specialists from the Crime Investigation Department at the Vlora Police Station have referred the materials to the Prosecutor’s Office, and the proceedings were carried out in a fair manner for the criminal offense of “Intimidation”. Citizen A. D., a 57-year-old resident of Vlora, was involved in the case.
Citizen A.H., a 34-year-old professional journalist residing in Vlora, claimed that she was verbally threatened over the phone by this citizen due to an article she published concerning the case of a 26-year-old from the city of Vlora. The 26-year-old is suspected of being involved in drug use, along with three other individuals who are suspected of engaging in violent sexual behavior with him.
Following the announcement made on 22.10.2023 regarding the arrest of two suspects and the search for another in relation to a case involving the alleged violent sexual behavior toward a 26-year-old woman, as well as the encouragement of drug use by others, we would like to clarify the following:
Under the direction of the prosecution, the Crime Investigation Department at the Vlora Police Station has continued to conduct thorough investigations into this case.
The materials related to the criminal offense of “Encouraging drug abuse” are now being referred to regarding the citizen V. K., a 36-year-old resident of Vlora. Additionally, efforts are being made to locate and apprehend him.
This citizen is alleged to have influenced citizens O. T., A. C., and G. M. to encourage the 26-year-old to consume drugs.
The materials have been forwarded to the Prosecutor’s office for further investigation.
