The Albanian Journalists’ Union (UGSH) has condemned attacks against journalists during Thursday’s protest outside Parliament, describing acts of violence against media workers carrying out their reporting duties as criminal acts that cannot be tolerated.
In a statement, the Union said that amid clashes between protesters and police, journalists, camera operators and other media staff were subjected to verbal and physical attacks while covering the demonstration.
“The Albanian Journalists’ Union condemns every verbal and, above all, physical attack against reporters, camera operators, media staff and even media vehicles while they are carrying out their professional duties,” the statement said.
The Union described the attacks on journalists’ microphones, cameras and media crews as “criminal acts,” calling on authorities to hold those responsible accountable regardless of who they are.
UGSH urged journalists to publicly document and identify anyone responsible for threatening or attacking media workers and called on the Albanian State Police to investigate and prosecute all individuals who assault, intimidate or harass journalists on duty.
The organisation also appealed to protest organisers to take responsibility for preventing attacks and harassment against reporters covering demonstrations.
At the same time, UGSH called on the Director General of the State Police and the Interior Minister to ensure journalists can work safely, noting that in some cases police officers had accused reporters of “working for foreign interests” despite them being clearly identified as members of the press.
The Union said Thursday marked “an alarming record” of physical attacks and threats against journalists, warning that the incidents represent a serious blow to press freedom and the ability of media professionals to report freely from public demonstrations.
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