Other threats to journalists from Albanian Police Director General, Tirana, 14.08.2024

Tirana •︎ 14/08/2024

Other threats to journalists from Albanian Police Director General, Tirana, 14.08.2024

Translations: Tirana Pristina 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Tirana
  • Who was attacked?
    Group
  • Group members' names and surnames
    Group of journalists

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Group of media organizations
  • Type of media platform
    Radio
    Radio
    Printed Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    https://citizens.al/2024/08/15/reagime-policia-sulmoi-mediat-per-raportimin-e-vrasjes-ne-pogradec/

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    14.08.2024
  • City
    Tirana
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Not known
  • Attacked by
    By public official(s) and/or representative(s) of the executive power
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    Through media outlets (broadcast, print, online)
  • 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
  • What was the reaction of the journalists' association?
    The association reacted publicly

On August 14, 2024, Police Director General Muhamet Rrumbullaku addressed media coverage surrounding the tragic death of a citizen in Pogradec city. The incident sparked concerns from the victim’s family about delays in the ambulance’s arrival and the police’s response, leading to accusations of an incomplete investigation. Journalists reported on these concerns, prompting authorities to respond.

Rrumbullaku accused journalists of spreading “fabrications and vile accusations” against the State Police, labeling their reports as “deliberate disinformation.” He announced that the State Police would pursue legal action against individual journalists and social media users.

In his remarks, Rrumbullaku troublingly asserted that only the police’s official version of the event should be considered reliable, thereby challenging the fundamental journalistic duty to verify information through diverse sources.

This situation poses a significant threat to media freedom in Albania, potentially leading to self-censorship and a weakened independent press. The SafeJournalists Network urges the State Police to immediately withdraw these threats and cease intimidating journalists and social media users reporting on matters of public interest. We emphasize respecting journalists’ essential role in independently verifying information and informing the public.