Albania: Syri TV’s Marsi Korreshi Harassed During Live Broadcast by Relatives of Political Candidate

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns intimidation and urges politicians to respect press freedom

Location: Albania, Rrogozhina
Date: July 15, 2023

Journalist Marsi Korreshi and Syri TV crew were harassed while covering a gathering of the Socialist Party. The Coalition For Women In Journalism notes that politicians in Albania have repeatedly denigrated journalists and press members. We call on all political actors to respect the press and allow journalists to work without harassment.

On July 15, Syri TV reporter Marsi Korreshi and her team were broadcasting outside a gathering of the Socialist Party in Rrogozhina when they were pressured and interrupted by relatives of the town’s mayor. 

Multiple people — both on foot and in vehicles — surrounded and threatened the crew of journalists, grabbing them and demanding they cease their coverage and leave the premises.

Frika e humbjes së kandidatit të Edi Ramës, Edison Memolla në Rrogozhinë ka bërë që mbështetësit e tij të kërcënojnë gazetaren Marsi Korreshi dhe grupin e xhirimit të Syri Tv. pic.twitter.com/ckrJDHnH4j

— Syri Tv (@SyriTelevizion) July 16, 2023

Korreshi and her crew were reporting on a lunch allegedly organized by the Socialist Party mayor, Edison Memolla, and attended by local administrative workers, doctors, and teachers. 

The mayor — who is running for reelection on July 23 — is prohibited from hosting such an event during an election campaign, as it could be used as an attempt to buy votes.

Once arriving at Rrogozhina, Korreshi noticed two cars following her and her crew. While preparing for a live report, a person in an expensive car approached the journalist and aggressively ordered them to leave. 

Footage from the live broadcast showed two men disputing the facts presented by the journalists, demanding their departure and grabbing a crew member’s arm.

The journalists notified the police, who later confirmed they had taken two of the mayor's uncles to the station. The men had initially refused to identify themselves. 

Korreshi chose not to file a criminal report, stating that the evidence was already public. She entrusted the case to the police, urging them to take appropriate action. 

Police confirmed the case was forwarded to the prosecutor's office for the criminal offense of obstructing a state duty or public service.

Denigration of media workers in Albania

Both ruling and opposition politicians in Albania have abused their platforms to denigrate journalists. Prime Minister Edi Rama has openly criticized and refused to answer questions from reporters he deems "unethical." Rama has even suggested that these journalists undergo "re-education" and temporarily barred them from his press conferences.

In July 2023, the mayor of Tirana, and a member of the ruling Socialist Party, received national and international condemnation for referring to investigative journalist Ola Xama as a “contract killer.” 

Reporters covering a Democratic Party meeting in June 2023 were assaulted and threatened by supporters of former Chairman Lulzim Basha. They were prevented from reporting, verbally abused, and faced physical violence.

Media experts argue that journalists in Albania face "double pressure" from external sources, such as politicians, and internal sources, such as media owners and managers, who fail to protect them from political insults and threats.

Harmful rhetoric toward the press from those in political power is a tool used to discredit critical journalists. Politicians should lead by example. The way they speak and treat the press encourages others to follow suit. Inflammatory language and disrespect toward media workers can create an unsafe environment for journalists. Political parties and actors have a responsibility to condemn assaults and intimidation of journalists. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism urges politicians in Albania to stop insulting journalists and respect the press’ right to report free from harassment.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.