The SafeJournalists Network expresses concerns over the increasing hostility against independent journalists and media professionals in Albania, including verbal attacks and anti-media rhetoric by high-ranking officials, smear campaigns, and misogynistic online harassment targeting women journalists.
On February 11, 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama referred to BIRN Albania as a frëngji—a narrow slit in fortress walls used for firing weapons—framing the media outlet not as an independent journalistic entity but as a selective and targeted aggressor. This attack, followed by further anti-media rhetoric on February 12, sought to discredit investigative journalism and undermine the media’s role as a pillar of democratic accountability referring to them as a “swamp” or “medieval market courts” or as “meaningless noice”. Similarly, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, following his arrest on corruption charges, launched degrading and inflammatory attacks against journalists covering the case, referring to them as “dogs” and dismissing media outlets as “sewer channels.”
On February 17, 2025, woman journalist Glidona Daci became the target of a misogynistic and defamatory smear campaign. She was attacked in anonymous online social media posts filled with sexist insinuations and fabricated allegations, aiming to discredit her professionally and personally.
The SafeJournalists Network also notes that in a politically polarized media landscape, journalists covering corruption and justice are increasingly met with verbal attacks, intimidation, and online harassment. Independent outlets such as Faktoje have been subjected to smear campaigns portraying them as instruments of foreign influence. These assaults come from various media outlets, public figures, and online platforms.
These ongoing attacks directly threaten media freedom and democratic accountability in Albania. Targeting journalists, whether through inflammatory rhetoric, online harassment, or institutional pressure, undermines fundamental democratic values, weakens public trust in journalism, and fosters an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship.
We call on the authorities to stop conducting such campaigns and attacks on journalists, condemn those who do this, and let journalists do their jobs. We also call on political leaders and public officials to respect the role of independent journalism as a crucial check on power and engage with the media in a manner that upholds democratic principles.
The SafeJournalists Network remains committed to monitoring and documenting threats against media freedom and will continue to report on these alarming developments. We stand in solidarity with independent journalists in Albania and across the region who continue their vital work despite increasing hostility and risk.
The SafeJournalists network will inform relevant national and international stakeholders.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on the public interest, democracy, and the rights of all citizens.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, Feb 21, 2025
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
Association BH Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro