The investigation of cases against journalists and media workers remains an important issue in Albania, key to fostering a safe environment, where journalists can exercise their profession free from fear of retaliation and self-censorship.
In 2024, the General Prosecutor approved a circular for the investigation of cases against journalists and media workers and appointed a special contact point. Previously, media prosecutors (prokurorët e medias) have been designated in prosecution offices throughout the country. Nonetheless, data from SafeJournalists Network monitoring and recent report by SCiDEV and BIRN Albania show that the number of cases reported by journalists and media workers is low also due to lack of trust, awareness and legal support.
To address this situation SCiDEV, in collaboration with Free Press Unlimited, the General Prosecutor’s Office, Citizens.al and the Association of Journalists of Albania hosted the “Workshop with Journalists and Prosecutors on the Standards of Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Journalists”, and brought together prosecutors, journalists and civil society representatives to engage on issues of freedom of expression and safety of journalists.
In the opening remarks, H.E Ambassador Reinout Vos emphasized the shrinking space for independent journalism, stating the need to defend journalism in the public interest. Kostaq Beluri, Prosecutor, Director of the Directorate for Institutional Coordination, General Prosecution Office of the Republic of Albania reiterated the General Prosecutor’s Office’s commitment to journalist safety. “The General Prosecutor’s Office has issued a circular for increased attention to cases of attacks against journalists, and we are open to greater cooperation as well as awareness-raising and educational activities,” he noted.
Executive Director of SCIDEV, Blerjana Bino, in her opening remarks, thanked participants for their contribution and engagement and renewed the organization’s commitment to work with journalists, law enforcement agencies, and CSOs, in creating a safe and conducive environment, where journalists can freely exercise their duty in defence of the public interest.
During the first part of discussions, under the moderation of journalist and communications expert Neritan Sejamini, the workshop served as a platform for constructive dialogue between journalists and prosecutors. Journalist Esiona Konomi highlighted the need for concrete mechanisms to enhance collaboration, proposing that SCiDEV and the Albanian Journalists Association facilitate roundtables across all 12 districts between prosecution offices and local journalists.
In addition, journalist Osman Stafa added that journalists in Albania face increasing threats, yet many remain hesitant to report cases due to low trust in institutions and fear of retaliation. “The SafeJournalists Network has supported us when under attack, but we need the institutions to step up,” he emphasized.
Prosecutors and journalists further explored ways to overcome tensions and, in some cases, low levels of trust, recognizing their shared mission in seeking the truth and protecting public interest.
The second part was dedicated to a Workshop on Safe Journalists and Case Study Discussion, moderated by Artan Rama, Independent Journalist. Discussions also touched on the importance of swift investigations into crimes against journalists. Erida Skendaj, Executive Director, Albanian Helsinki Committee presented two case studies, emphasizing that there are delays and suspensions in cases of violence towards journalists. “Full investigation and transparency are imperative to build trust,” she noted.
In continuation, Jasmijn de Zeeuw, Legal Advisor from Free Press Unlimited Netherlands, led a workshop focused on the importance of Council of Europe and international standards, stating: “We need a safer world for the truth, and exercising standards regarding freedom of expression and prosecutorial investigations is key to building safety.”
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to sustained engagement, policy improvements, and enhanced protection mechanisms. Moving forward, stakeholders agreed on the need for regular consultations, awareness campaigns, and capacity-building efforts to safeguard journalistic integrity in Albania.
This workshop was held on March 3rd, took place in the framework of the project “Strengthening Journalistic Safety through Engaged Stakeholder Collaboration and Journalists’ Capacity Development in Albania” implemented by SCiDEV in collaboration with Citizens Channel and Free Press Unlimited, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Albania, and comes as an initiative that aim to strengthen partnerships and elevate the conversation around media safety in Albania.
SCiDEV remains committed to working closely with relevant institutions to ensure stakeholders engagement and commitment, as well as to generate evidence-based recommendations before implementing capacity building programs for journalists in the next project phase. The event was held in the framework of the Month of EU Integration Civic Engagement by Cluster 1.