Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned violence and intimidation against journalists covering recent protests in Albania. The organization is calling for independent investigations, accountability and stronger protection for media workers.

RSF documented 28 reports of violence, intimidation and attempts to obstruct reporting, affecting at least 23 media professionals. At least 10 incidents involved physical attacks against 12 journalists, including punches, kicks, pushing and forced removal from reporting areas. Others reported attempts to seize their phones, damaged equipment and injuries caused by police crowd-control weapons.

RSF also raised concerns about pressure from Prime Minister Edi Rama. It cited an October 18 incident in which Rama accused the owner of News24 of fabricating reports about student protests to bring down the government. RSF called on Rama to stop intimidating media outlets over their protest coverage.

The organization also urged Albania’s parliament to scrutinize police conduct and called on the European Union to assess the country’s implementation of its media freedom commitments as an EU candidate.

“Journalists must be able to document police conduct without being beaten, pushed, detained or otherwise prevented from filming,” said Pavol Szalai, head of RSF’s Prague office.

Several journalists reported attacks during the October 18 protests. Police forcibly detained Associated Press contributor and photojournalist Hameraldi Agolli, while officers physically assaulted News24 reporter Renaldo Salianji. SYRI TV journalist Taulant Kopliku said an officer struck his shoulder and seized his phone. Police later returned it with the footage deleted.

Meanwhile, reporter Marshi Korreshi said an officer struck him on the back with a helmet and pushed him while he covered a fire near Police Station No. 3. A rubber bullet injured Elkier Bushkolaj in the leg. Juljan Hoxha and photojournalist Felix Bilani also reported police assaults, while Klan News journalist Glidona Daci said someone hit her with stones.

Reuters separately reported that rubber bullets struck two of its journalists during clashes in Tirana on October 17.

Another incident occurred on October 13, when Dosja.al editor-in-chief Izmir Akulli suffered injuries that required hospitalization after an assault near the Bank of Albania. Akulli said several officers punched and kicked him as he filmed a police intervention involving a student.

On October 19, police also prevented News24 journalist Osman Stafa and other media workers from following and filming the detention of protesters in side streets near Rruga e Dibrës in Tirana.

In response, RSF and other media organizations called for independent investigations into the reported attacks and obstruction of journalists. They also requested a dedicated parliamentary hearing. RSF said further incidents had emerged since its initial appeal.

Albania ranked 83rd among 180 countries and territories in RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index.