Other threats/digital harrasement towards renowned Albanian journalist, Blendi Salaj, 05/04/2023, Tirana

Tirana •︎ 06/04/2023

Other threats/digital harrasement towards renowned Albanian journalist, Blendi Salaj, 05/04/2023, Tirana

Translations: Tirana 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Tirana
  • Gender
    Male
  • Victim(s) name
    Blendi Salaj

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Top Channel
  • Type of media platform
    Radio
    Printed Media
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    https://top-channel.tv/2023/04/06/moderatori-i-wake-up-kam-marre-dy-kercenime-me-vdekje/

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    05.04.2023
  • City
    Tirana
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Not known
  • Attacked by
    (ordinary) citizens
  • Type of incident
    Other threats to journalists

  • Action by the authorities

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

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

Blendi Salaj, a highly respected journalist, recently commented on some noteworthy moments during the “Big Brother VIP2” show. Unfortunately, he has since received two threatening messages regarding his personal safety.

As a regular host on the morning show “Wake Up” on Top Channel, Salaj and his colleagues discuss the most interesting developments within Big Brother VIP2. Each morning, they dedicate approximately five minutes to discussing the latest viral moments within the house.

Regrettably, online harassment and death threats have become an all-too-common occurrence for journalists who report on matters related to the show. In reference to the recent threats he has received, Salaj stated, “I received two death threats yesterday due to comments I made during the show about a Big Brother VIP resident, whose name I prefer not to publish. These individuals were likely fans of the person in question. I am quite worried and plan to report this matter to the police promptly.”

Safe Journalists Network in Albania has seen screenshots of death threat messages sent on the social media account of Mr. Salaj from two different anonymous senders. These attacks have been reported the case to the Police.

We stand in solidarity with Mr. Salaj and condemn these cowardly acts of intimidation and online violence directed toward him. Journalists must be allowed to report on and discuss events, whether trivial or significant, without fear of retribution or violence.

We understand that the “Big Brother VIP2” show and its contestants may evoke strong emotions and opinions among viewers. However, resorting to threatening a journalist’s life over such matters is absolutely unacceptable and must not be tolerated. Online harassment has become a pervasive issue in today’s digital age, and it is our collective responsibility to address and combat this toxic behavior.

Sources:

https://observerkult.com/alarmon-gazetari-i-njohur-mora-dy-kercenime-me-jete-per-ato-qe-thashe-per-big-brother/?fbclid=IwAR1AOjYfIjKs-GiG6pzT-gjJ8DFwR0ir2jP1OUYo5zVfS8lWmr0QZvzZNA8&mibextid=ykz3hl

https://top-channel.tv/2023/04/06/moderatori-i-wake-up-kam-marre-dy-kercenime-me-vdekje/

https://durreslajm.al/komentet-per-big-brother-blendi-salaj-kam-marre-dy-kercenime-me-vdekje/

https://www.voxnews.al/lifestyle/komentet-per-big-brother-blendi-salaj-kam-marre-dy-kercenime-me–i36659