Threats against media outlets and organizations, 19.02.2025, Tirana

Translations: Tirana 

On February 19, 2025, former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic Party, the main opposition party, used his social media platform to target Sokol Balla, author of the RealStory TalkShow at ABC News, accusing them of receiving €300,000 from Arbër Veliaj, the brother of Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, who has been under arrest since February 10, 2025, on corruption charges. Berisha claimed these alleged payments were used to secure favorable media coverage for Veliaj and to attack the opposition, framing the situation as part of a broader corrupt scheme involving media, political figures, and business elites.

Berisha presents this as a leaked citizen report (“qytetari digjital”) rather than his direct opinion, a tactic he has previously used to amplify allegations while maintaining plausible deniability. However, disseminating an unverified claim without evidence serves as a political tool to discredit media opponents, raising concerns about the broader impact of such rhetoric on public discourse and media freedom. His rhetoric persistently characterizes media outlets that criticize him, his family, or his party as being aligned with Prime Minister Edi Rama, alleging financial and political ties, corruption, and other wrongdoings without providing documented evidence. In addition to targeting Balla and ABC News, Berisha’s post also implicated Carlo Bollino (of Shqiptarja.com and Report TV) and Mero Baze (of Gazeta Tema), accusing them of orchestrating a government-backed disinformation campaign.

Although these media outlets may align with government perspectives, this alignment does not justify the use of unverified corruption allegations as a tool for political attack. Political leaders have the right to critique media bias and call for accountability; however, such criticism must be grounded in verifiable evidence and presented responsibly. The use of unsubstantiated claims and inflammatory language not only undermines the integrity of the media but also contributes to a hostile environment that endangers media freedom. A media organization’s editorial bias or ownership structure may warrant critique or calls for transparency. However, leveling corruption claims without presenting concrete evidence essentially transforms legitimate criticism into a smear tactic. Politicians, public officials, or anyone with evidence of biased coverage or ethical breaches should present that evidence rather than relying on rumors or unverified sources.

This is not the first time Berisha has targeted the media. He has previously labeled critical media as “criminal organizations”, engaged in repeated smear campaigns, and used defamatory language against journalists. SafeJournalists has recorded cases here and here. 

Berisha’s rhetoric mirrors a broader political climate in Albania, where government officials and political leaders frequently target journalists and media outlets that challenge them. Prime Minister Edi Rama has repeatedly labeled critical media as part of a “kënetë mediatiko-politike” (media-political swamp), while Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, has used derogatory language, referring to investigative journalists as “qenëria” (the pack of dogs) when they report on allegations of corruption or abuse of power.

Independent journalists and media are particularly under pressure as our analysis shows here.