Other threats to journalists by Head of RTSH, 01.08.2024,Tirana

Tirana •︎ 02/08/2024

Other threats to journalists by Head of RTSH, 01.08.2024,Tirana

Translations: Tirana 

  • 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
    RTSH
  • Type of media platform
    Printed Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fagsh.al%2F2024%2F08%2F01%2Freagim-mbi-proceset-alarmuese-te-drejtorit-te-rtsh-dhe-policise-se-shtetit%2F&h=AT3zbLYu9JazFaVJ50DzavwAQqwT0Wi7jyMf7AULtXGCN_d1oFzme8g9oxGWCKRf4zCAyraxLxzVOVqvEfdPZhB_ToPe5pYKLUX0cqclNM1tSCkNz8YZy0prlRfQUIl1g8qEEMZspg&s=1

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    01.08.2024
  • City
    Tirana
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Known (suspected)
  • Attacked by
    Authorities - individuals
  • 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?
    Yes

On 31st July and 1st August, at least five former Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) employees were summoned to the Tirana Police Station. The employees were questioned, and their mobile phones were searched. This action was reportedly taken following a complaint filed by the General Director of RTSH, Alfred Peza, alleging “damage to the image.” The former employees claim they were questioned about statements they made regarding mass and allegedly unjust dismissals by Alfred Peza. Their mobile phones were examined as part of the investigation, which the employees view as an infringement on their privacy and an attempt to intimidate them. The former employees have been outspoken about what they describe as unfair dismissals at RTSH, suggesting the police actions are retaliatory.

Safe Journalists Network has reported continuously on the issues at RTSH (here and here).

_______________________

Updates on the case:

Responding to a FOI, the State Police regarding this case states: The Cyber Crimes Investigation Sector of the Tirana Police Directorate, following a criminal complaint filed on July 18, 2024, has referred the case to the Prosecution Office of the Tirana Court of First Instance. The prosecution registered a criminal proceeding under case number 4752 for the crime of “computer fraud” as per Article 186/a of the Penal Code. The case is under investigation, with several investigative actions delegated by the prosecutor still pending. Five individuals have provided statements and their mobile phones have been partially examined for relevant materials. The response emphasizes that the investigative actions have not compromised the information sources of the journalists involved.
Read the full statement in Albanian here.