Journalists, activists and citizens will protest on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 12:00, in front of the Focus Media Group building, in solidarity with media workers and in defense of freedom of speech.
The protest comes after the News24 signal was turned off and the police surrounded the editorial offices of News24, Gazeta Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare and BalkanWeb, an action that the organizers describe as "a strong alarm for the state of democracy and media freedom in Albania."
"It is not simply a conflict between an institution and a company, but a serious act that affects citizens' right to be informed and sends an intimidating message to every journalist," the statement said.
Protest announcement:
Dear colleagues, activists and citizens,
The turning off of News24's signal and the police surrounding the editorial offices of News24, Gazeta Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare, and Balkanweb is a strong alarm about the state of democracy and media freedom in Albania.
This is not simply a conflict between an institution and a company, this is a serious act that affects citizens' right to be informed and sends an intimidating message to every journalist.
We urgently call on the Council of Ministers, the State Police and the Ministry of Defense to clarify with documents their positions and the legal basis for this extreme action. Silence is not an option.
In solidarity with our colleagues and in defense of free speech, we invite journalists, organizations, and every citizen who believes in democracy to join us in protest:
Monday, August 11, 2025
12:00
In front of the Fokus Media Group building
Democracy dies in darkness.
Lini një Përgjigje