Actual attack on dutch journalist Vincent van Gerven Oei in Tirana, 04.09.2024

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    161
    Country AL
    Name and Surname Vincent van Gerven Oei
    Gender Male
    Date 04/09/2024
    City / Location Tirana
    Type of incident Actual attacks on journalists
    By whom By public persons
    Source Journalist talk
    Legal closure Ongoing (or case not closed)
    Was journalist`s association informed Yes

    Artist Driant Zeneli, co-founder of the Harabel Foundation—a non-profit promoting contemporary art, co-founded by Ajola Xoxa, the wife of Tirana’s Mayor Erion Veliaj—initiated a series of threatening messages to journalist van Gerven Oei through social media. The confrontation escalated on September 4, when Zeneli, accompanied by three others, confronted Van Gerven Oei at a gallery opening in Tirana, engaging in aggressive and homophobic language and attempting physical assault. Intervention from bystanders prevented further escalation.

    The intimidation of Dutch journalist Vincent van Gerven Oei comes after he published a critical article titled “How to Launder Art and Money through Waste Management Concessions” a few months ago. This piece explored alleged money laundering involving the Tirana Municipality and Albania’s art scene, specifically linked to incinerator projects.