Freedom of association
The SafeJournalists Network, together with the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and its Albanian affiliates, raised concerns over reports of alleged violations of journalists’ labour rights at ABC News Albania, a major private television outlet. Multiple journalists have indicated that the management may have unilaterally replaced regular employment contracts with freelance agreements and without giving prior notice. These changes reportedly affect up to ten journalists, including reporters, correspondents and camera operators across the country. There are reports of sudden dismissals involving several camera operators who played a significant role in daily news reporting. The journalists’ reluctance to speak openly highlights an atmosphere of uncertainty and pressure within parts of the Albanian media sector. The SafeJournalists Network and EFJ reaffirmed their support for all journalists impacted by this situation and will continue to monitor developments.
Freedom of peaceful assembly
During the reporting period, protests took place in Albania related to animal rights, labour rights, and the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, among other issues.
On 26th April 2025, hundreds of animal rights activists and citizens marched through central Tirana to protest a series of brutal animal abuse cases, including a widely circulated video showing teenagers torturing and killing a puppy in Berat. Organised by several animal welfare groups, the peaceful demonstration called on authorities to enforce animal protection laws and end impunity for abusers. Protesters accused the government and police of neglecting their duties, with no incidents or police intervention reported.
On 1st May 2025, hundreds of workers from various sectors marched in Tirana’s Mother Teresa Square to mark International Workers’ Day. The demonstrators demanded fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for labour rights. They marched under the slogan “We live on Albanian wages, we pay at European prices!” Organised by the Union of Trade Unions of Albania and the Albanian Coalition for Labour Rights, the protest denounced low pay, unsafe workplaces, and mass emigration caused by economic hardship. Parallel demonstrations also took place at the Marinza oilfield.
On 16th May 2025, Albania’s opposition held a protest in Tirana to reject the results of the 11th May parliamentary elections. The action coincided with the European Political Community Summit attended by over 50 European leaders. The demonstration, led by Democratic Party head Sali Berisha, followed his refusal to accept the Socialist Party’s landslide victory, which secured Prime Minister Edi Rama a fourth term. Protest turnout was small, reflecting weakened support for the opposition. The event was marred by incidents during which protesters and MPs verbally and physically assaulted journalists who questioned Berisha’s leadership, prompting strong condemnation from national media organisations. No major police intervention was reported.
On 24th May 2025, hundreds of citizens, activists, and allies joined the 12th annual Pride Parade in Tirana under the slogan “Side by Side” to promote equality and solidarity for the LGBTQI+ community. The event began at the “Reja” installation with speeches by activists, families and officials, including Health Minister Albana Koçiu, who voiced government support for LGBTQI+ rights. Marchers proceeded peacefully along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard to the Prime Minister’s Office, carrying banners calling for equality, legal recognition of same-sex couples and solidarity with other marginalised groups. No incidents or police intervention were reported.
Freedom of expression
Women journalists continue to face threats
According to an April 2025 report by media watchdogs, women journalists in Albania continue to face an unsafe and threatening environment where violations often go unpunished, thereby undermining both press freedom and the integrity of the media. Challenges such as censorship, intimidation, gender-based discrimination, online threats, and even verbal and physical violence frequently push women journalists toward self-censorship, as they seek to protect their careers and personal lives. This troubling situation reflects a society that, despite striving for gender equality, still falls short in protecting the rights of women, especially those who dare to report the truth. The April 2025 report calls for stronger gender-sensitive policies in the media sector, greater accountability, and comprehensive safety protocols to ensure a free, safe, and equitable media environment for women.
Positive development in court ruling over search of journalist
On 22nd April 2025, the Constitutional Court of Albania delivered a unanimous 8–0 ruling that overturned lower court orders authorising the search of journalist Elton Qyno and the confiscation of his electronic equipment. The Court ordered that all data extracted from these devices be destroyed, finding that such measures constituted a disproportionate interference in the right to freedom of expression and the protection of journalistic sources—rights protected under Article 22 of the Albanian Constitution and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Several organisations have welcomed the ruling, recalling a joint letter from January 2024 warning that compelling Qyno to reveal his sources and confiscating his work materials risked undermining internationally recognised standards of journalism ethics. The Court’s decision confirmed that journalists cannot be forced to disclose their sources unless there is a clear overriding public interest and no less intrusive alternative source of information available. This judgment highlights the necessity of internal safeguards whenever investigations affect freedom of expression and media freedom. Civil society organisations have called on the competent authorities to immediately implement the Court’s ruling by returning Qyno’s devices.
Media coverage of minorities reveals discrimination
In Albania, Roma and Egyptian minorities continue to face discrimination and social exclusion, despite longstanding efforts by national and international actors to improve their situation, according to a report by Dorentina Hysa, a researcher with SCiDEV. The report, “Roma and Egyptian Minorities in the Media: The Impact of Reporting on Public Perception,” is based on data collected from monitoring four television stations. The findings point to a clear lack of attention to these groups in mainstream media. The researcher recommends that the Audiovisual Media Authority regularly monitor how minorities are portrayed in audiovisual content to ensure objectivity, diversity, and balance in media narratives. And civil society organisations, which have shown positive engagement in this area, should continue collaborating with media actors to support training, expand thematic coverage, and connect journalists with minority experts.
Public officials hostile towards journalists
In two high-profile interviews on 8th and 9th May 2025, just days before Albania’s general elections on 11th May, Prime Minister Edi Rama displayed open hostility toward journalists Fatjona Mejdini, Mirela Milori, Neritan Sejamini, and Robert Rakipllari on national television channels - Top Channel and TV Klan. During both interviews, Rama responded to critical questions with visible arrogance, personal insults, and repeated dismissiveness. He interrupted and belittled the journalists and at times outright refused to answer, reflecting an aggressive position toward independent journalism during a highly sensitive, pre-election period. Rama also dismissed and mocked senior analyst Neritan Sejamini, waving away his questions about an incinerator scandal and labeling the facts presented as “half-truths” and “folklore”. When Sejamini questioned progress on Albania’s EU integration, Rama grew irritated, questioned Sejamini’s credibility, and accused him of being disruptive. Journalist Mirela Milori faced similar dismissiveness when raising issues about arrests and social policies, with Rama refusing to answer and mocking her.
During an opposition protest on 16th May, several MPs from the Democratic Party refused to speak on camera with Euronews Albania, despite the media outlet’s presence to cover the demonstration. Journalists faced confrontations with political figures and some protesters. Democratic MP Edi Paloka asked journalist Sara Demushi not to interview him and requested the camera be removed. Similarly, another MP declined to speak, stating he had not been asked for an interview. Tensions rose as protesters tried to block the Euronews Albania camera and insulted the journalist.
SafeJournalists Network condemned the verbal abuse, intimidation, and physical aggression against journalists by the Democratic Party of Albania members and supporters following the 11th May 2025 elections. There was documented vulgar language towards journalists Esiona Konomi and Daniela Maloku, while the 16th May protest, as reported above, saw reporters harassed, blocked from reporting, and physically confronted. For example, MP Edi Paloka grabbed Euronews Albania journalist Sara Demushi’s EU summit press badge and ordered her to leave. Other officials pressured journalists to stop filming. The Network called on the Democratic Party to apologise and respect the rights of media workers.