Other threats to journalist Xhensil Shkëmbi, 25.04.2025, Korce

Tirana •︎ 25/04/2025

Other threats to journalist Xhensil Shkëmbi, 25.04.2025, Korce

Translations: Tirana 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Belgrade
  • Who was attacked?
    Journalist
  • Gender
    Male
  • Victim(s) name
    Xhensil Shkembi

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Euronews
  • Type of media platform
    Radio
    Online Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/168BMThk7w/

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    25.04.2025
  • City
    Korce
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    Politician(s) / political party(ies) (other than public officials)
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    In person
    Posts or comments on social networks
  • Type of incident
    Other threats to journalists
  • Type of threat
    Aggressive, harassing or discriminatory statements

  • Action by the authorities

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

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

Amid the ongoing election campaign in Albania, journalist Xhensil Shkëmbi has become the target of unacceptable political attacks and threats from MP Edmond Spaho.

Initially, MP Spaho publicly shared photos accusing humanitarian aid activities conducted by the local church community, to which Shkëmbi belongs, of being attempts at vote-buying. After Shkëmbi clarified via a Facebook post that these activities were purely humanitarian, MP Spaho explicitly targeted him, using derogatory language. He questioned Shkëmbi’s religious sincerity, labeled him a “journalist of the regime” (implying a connection to Edi Rama), and even threatened legal action through the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK).

While political debate is vital, it should not undermine journalistic freedom or deter journalists from speaking openly and transparently. During electoral periods, independent journalism is crucial for maintaining informed, democratic processes and fostering healthy public discourse.