| Country | AL |
| Name and Surname | Ermal Rizaj |
| Gender | Male |
| Date | 28/08/2024 |
| City / Location | Tirana |
| Type of incident | Other threats to journalists |
| By whom | By public officials |
| Type of media | Radio and television online |
| Media name | Syri TV |
| Source | https://www.reporter.al/2024/08/26/hetimet-per-mbetjet-prokuroria-sekuestron-dokumentacionin-e-kompanise-kurum/ |
| Was journalist`s association informed | Yes |
On August 28, 2024, during a press conference in Tirana, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku engaged in a contentious exchange with Ermal Rizaj, a journalist from “Syri TV,” amid growing public concern over the suspected exportation of hazardous waste from Albania. Rizaj questioned the security of the Port of Durrës, referencing past government assurances following the introduction of a law on waste importation. He asked whether Balluku could guarantee the port’s safety to citizens.
Balluku responded dismissively, implying that Rizaj’s questions were politically motivated and scripted, targeting the ownership of “Syri TV,” associated with the opposition leader’s family. She redirected the focus to the concessionaire responsible for hazardous waste transportation, accusing Syri TV (i.e. media owners and the opposition leader associated with Syri TV) of being aware of the situation due to their involvement in signing the contract while in power. Balluku again accused the media of attempting to tarnish the port’s reputation.
Concluding the exchange, Balluku cut off further questions from Rizaj, stating, “This is not a press conference between the two of us. No more questions from you. Other journalists, you can ask for an interview from me, and I will respond.”
This incident reflects a broader pattern where government representatives accuse the media of harming Albania’s image when faced with challenging questions or critical stances. Balluku’s remarks exemplify this narrative, undermining the media’s role in holding public officials accountable. By dismissing further inquiries and redirecting the conversation, Balluku’s approach raises concerns about government transparency and attempts to control the narrative. This dynamic stifles press freedom and diminishes the quality of public discourse in Albania, discouraging open and critical discussions on matters of public interest.
Full conversation:
Journalist Ermal Rizaj (Syri TV):
“I have several questions regarding this issue, which has gained international attention due to various reactions. A few years ago, when the Socialist government introduced the law on the import of waste to Parliament, it claimed that the Port of Durrës had been secured. In light of this issue with the hazardous waste, can you guarantee to the citizens that the Port of Durrës is secure?”
Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku:
“I understand very well, and with all due respect to you and the journalists, you have come with prepared questions, and even though I already answered, you are going to ask it because you’ll go back, and they (media owners) will ask you why you didn’t ask the question…”
Balluku continued:
“I don’t believe that Syri TV or other media and political elements will succeed in tarnishing the reputation of the Port of Durrës. Focus instead on the concessionaire at the Port of Durrës that handles the transportation of hazardous waste… The entity in question is affiliated with the EU, and you at Syri TV are well aware of this because you were in power when that contract was signed.”
Balluku concluded:
“This is not a press conference between the two of us. No more questions from you. Other journalists, you can ask for an interview from me, and I will respond.”
Context: In August 2024, a major issue emerged involving the illegal shipment of hazardous waste from Albania to Thailand. Approximately 816 metric tons of suspected toxic waste, likely electric arc furnace dust, were packed into 100 containers in Albania and shipped on two Maersk vessels. The Basel Action Network (BAN) raised alarms with authorities in Albania, transit countries, and Thailand, citing potential breaches of the Basel Convention, which governs the international movement of hazardous waste. Thai authorities, alerted by BAN, collaborated with officials in Albania and Singapore to intercept the shipment before it reached Thailand. The containers were halted in Singapore and are expected to be sent back to Albania. The media were the first to report on this and raise concerns. Only days after, there was a statement by the government in Albania confirming that the Albanian government, with assistance from the European Anti-Fraud Office, initiated an investigation into the companies involved, including the Kurum steel company and Sokolaj shpk.
Sources:
https://lapsi.al/2024/08/28/skandali-me-mbetjet-toksike-balluku-lan-duart-ia-hedh-fajin-mediave/
