Threats against life and physical safety of journalist Armand Braho, Pogradec, 06.11.2024

Tirana •︎ 08/11/2024

Threats against life and physical safety of journalist Armand Braho, Pogradec, 06.11.2024

Translations: Tirana 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Tirana
  • Who was attacked?
    Journalist
  • Gender
    Male
  • Victim(s) name
    Armand Braho

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Report TV
  • Type of media platform
    Radio
  • Source of information about the incident
    https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=122170613762130754&set=a.122110223480130754

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    06.11.2024
  • City
    Pogradec
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    (ordinary) citizens
  • Means of incidents and attacks
    In person
  • Type of incident
    life_threat

  • Action by the authorities

  • Public prosecutor's action
    In response, the Korçë Prosecutor’s Office announced on November 8th that it had launched an ex officio investigation. The focus of this investigation will be on Blacëri and the alleged offense of "Threatening due to duty." Braho formally reported the threat to the police, describing it as an intimidation attempt linked to his work, and stated his determination to continue his mission to report the truth despite this threat. The Prosecutor's Office at the First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction in Korçë underscored its commitment to prioritizing this investigation, citing strong public interest in the case.
  • Legal status of the case
    The procedure is in the investigative phase
  • Type of violation
    Security threat

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Yes
  • What was the reaction of the journalists' association?
    The association reacted publicly

On November 6th, Report TV journalist f encountered an incident while carrying out his professional duties. During the coverage of an event in Pogradec, Braho was allegedly threatened by Ylli Blacëri, a driver employed by the Pogradec Municipality.

In response to the incident, which was made public and attracted significant media attention along with strong reactions from journalist associations (here and here). In response, the Korçë Prosecutor’s Office announced on November 8th that it had launched an ex officio investigation. The focus of this investigation will be on Blacëri and the alleged offense of “Threatening due to duty.” Braho formally reported the threat to the police, describing it as an intimidation attempt linked to his work, and stated his determination to continue his mission to report the truth despite this threat.

The Prosecutor’s Office at the First Instance Court of General Jurisdiction in Korçë underscored its commitment to prioritizing this investigation, citing strong public interest in the case. This follows the Prosecutor General’s recent approval of a circular titled “On the Investigation of Cases About the Safety of Journalists and the Media,” reinforcing the priority of such cases. Additionally, the National Contact Point for the Safety of Journalists at the Ministry of Interior has closely monitored this case and provided necessary updates to Safe Journalists in Albania, demonstrating an encouraging response and alignment with new protective protocols.

Safe Journalists commends this swift response by the authorities regarding the incident and emphasizes the importance of journalists reporting such threats and attacks. Without documented reports, there can be no investigation, and therefore no resolution to cases. By actively utilizing the protective mechanisms available, journalists can help foster a safer and more supportive environment for the media.