Independent journalism in Albania is under growing pressure, caught between escalating anti-media rhetoric, political polarization, and concerns over media integrity. This article examines how political discourse, smear campaigns, shifting international narratives, and structural challenges within the media ecosystem shape the media freedom and integrity landscape in Albania.
Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Accusations Against BIRN Albania
On February 11, 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama denounced BIRN Albania, a leading investigative media outlet in Albania, in a social media post, accusing it of distorting his statements regarding the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj by the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). Rama referred to BIRN as a frëngji—a narrow slit in fortress walls used for firing weapons—framing the media outlet not as an independent journalistic entity but as a selective and targeted aggressor. BIRN’s article, titled “Edi Rama: SPAK Has Gone Off the Tracks, Veliaj Will Not Be Dismissed,” reported on Rama’s response to Veliaj’s arrest, where he claimed the case created “a reasonable doubt of an investigation outside constitutional tracks and a detention in violation of democratic standards.” This metaphor goes beyond simple critique, portraying investigative journalism as a hostile force rather than a pillar of accountability.
Escalating Anti-Media Rhetoric by High-Level Politicians
The next day, on February 12, 2025, Rama continued his criticism of the media more broadly with another social media post, dismissing discussions on Veliaj’s arrest as part of a “political-media swamp” (këneta politiko-mediatike) and comparing media debates to “medieval market courts” where accusations are thrown arbitrarily. He further discredited journalists by portraying their criticism as meaningless noise (“kuakuakuatë e kënetës politiko-mediatike”) and accused media channels of spreading conspiracy theories and engaging in baseless attacks.
Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, in a social media post on February 11, 2025, following his arrest on corruption charges, attacked journalists covering his arrest, referring to them as “qenëri” (dogs) and calling television studios “studios of biting and drooling” (studiot e kafshimeve dhe jargëve). Dismissing critical media as “ sewer channels” (kanale gjirizi), he framed reporting on his case as a smear campaign, further reinforcing the narrative that investigative journalism is not an independent check on power but a politically driven attack.
By painting all media with the same brush, these high-level politicians not only target outlets they consider biased but also delegitimize independent, high-quality journalism. This rhetoric blurs the distinction between partisan media and investigative and independent reporting, fueling public skepticism toward the media and undermining the role of fact-based and independent journalism in holding power to account.
Anonymous Online Smear Campaign Against Women Journalists
On February 17, 2025, journalist Glidona Daci of TV Klan became the target of a defamatory and misogynistic online attack, posted anonymously on a social media page. The page shared a post filled with personal insults, fabricated allegations, and sexist insinuations aimed at discrediting Daci both professionally and personally. The post made derogatory claims about her personal life and private relationships. A similar post on the same page also targeted journalist Mira Kazhani, mocking her professional success and attempting to discredit her work through sarcastic and dismissive gendered stereotypes. By weaponizing anonymity, the page engages in misogynistic smears and character attacks, primarily targeting women journalists, but also extending to others. This reflects the increasingly toxic online environment for media professionals in Albania, where anonymous platforms are used to intimidate, discredit, and divert attention from pressing political scandals. The Association of Journalists of Albania issued a statement condemning the smear campaign.
Political and Media Polarization Following Veliaj’s Arrest
The attacks on journalists and antimedia discourse are unfolding in a highly polarized political and media environment following the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj on corruption charges. With Prime Minister Edi Rama openly challenging SPAK, accusing it of overreach, and shifting his stance from non-interference to direct criticism, the political landscape has become increasingly confrontational. At the same time, opposition leader Sali Berisha is also under investigation by SPAK, adding to the high-stakes political conflict, where both major political camps have accused the judiciary of bias. This political division extends into the media, where competing narratives shape public opinion, with some defending SPAK’s independence and others framing its actions as politically motivated. Amid this escalating tension, journalists who report on corruption and justice issues face mounting hostility, both from political figures using inflammatory rhetoric and their proxies in the public space as well as from anonymous online platforms engaging in smear campaigns.
Intense political polarization in Albania is increasingly reflected in public debates, where personal verbal attacks and aggressive rhetoric make it difficult for journalists and independent voices to engage in critical discourse. This was evident on February 17, 2025, during the television show “Të Paekspozuarit”, when a heated exchange over Erion Veliaj’s arrest escalated into verbal threats against journalist Enton Abilekaj. Such incidents, far from isolated, highlight the shrinking space for constructive debate, where intimidation and hostility often replace substantive discussion both in the mainstream media and digital space.
Impact of U.S. Policy Shifts on the Discourse about Independent Media in Albania
The shift in the U.S. administration’s approach to foreign aid and democracy promotion—marked by a funding freeze on USAID programs, increased scrutiny of international donor activities, and high-profile attacks on Open Society Foundations and other civil society initiatives—has fuelled growing hostility toward independent media and civil society organizations in Albania. The convergence of this shift with Albania’s internal political battles has further intensified an already hostile environment for journalists, where attacks—from high-level officials to anonymous online smear campaigns—are increasingly used as tools to discredit and silence critical voices. For example, in early February attacks against Faktoje, an independent fact-checker, continued linking the organization to USAID funding audits, suggesting that it, along with other media supported by international donors (USAID, Open Society Foundations), would soon face heightened scrutiny and implying wrongdoings have been committed. These online posts are accompanied by inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks. Faktoje has been the target of multiple attacks in the past as analysed by Safe Journalists Network in October 2024.
Similar attacks were directed at civil society organizations, including the Albanian Helsinki Committee, the Albanian Media Institute, Partners Albania, and the Gender Alliance for Development Center, accusing them of being part of a foreign-backed effort to manipulate Albania’s justice system and public discourse. This is increasingly accompanied by targeted personal attacks, online harassment, and inflammatory rhetoric, fostering an environment where civil society organizations, journalists, and individuals associated with or funded by USAID and other donors face growing intimidation and pressure. These attacks are part of a wider trend across the Western Balkans, where the fallout from the U.S. funding freeze has emboldened political actors to escalate rhetoric against civil society, portraying it as a tool of foreign influence and undermining its role in democratic accountability.
Challenges with media integrity
Albania’s media landscape is troubled by politicization, financial pressures, and varying ethical standards. While some outlets uphold professional journalism, others engage in partisan reporting, propaganda, or paid content, fueling public skepticism and justifying politicians to dismiss critical stories. Media polarization mirrors political divides, with news coverage often reflecting party loyalties or other vested interests. Many journalists work under precarious conditions, facing pressure from media owners or political interests, which can compromise editorial integrity. Despite these challenges, courageous journalists continue to expose corruption and hold officials accountable. The key challenge is to strengthen professional standards while protecting media freedom and investigative journalism from political and economic pressures.
While attacks on independent journalism and civil society pose a serious threat to media freedom and democratic accountability, it is equally important to recognize the broader challenges of media integrity in Albania. Defending media freedom must go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen journalistic standards, ensure editorial independence, and foster a media environment that prioritizes accuracy, accountability, and the public interest.
The SafeJournalists Network will continue to monitor and analyze the media situation in Albania and inform relevant stakeholders and the public. Learn more about specific incidents involving journalists here and monthly media landscape briefs by SCiDEV here.
Author: Blerjana Bino for SafeJournalists Network