The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) has documented at least 10 incidents involving 12 journalists, camera operators and media teams during student protests in Tirana on October 13 and 14, 2026.
According to the association, nine incidents involved reported actions by State Police officers, while one involved an attack by masked protesters on a media team. At least three media workers sustained physical injuries.
AGSH condemned the obstruction of journalists carrying out their professional duties and called on the State Police, the Police Oversight Agency and the Prosecutor’s Office to verify the documented cases, launch investigations and take measures to ensure journalists’ safety during demonstrations.
In a statement, the association said the incidents included physical attacks, injuries, threats, obstruction of reporting and damage to media equipment.
Five incidents were documented on Wednesday, October 14, four of which were linked to actions by State Police officers and one to an attack by masked protesters on a media team.
Among the reported cases, Euronews Albania journalist Enkelejda Mema was allegedly prevented by police officers from filming and reporting during the protest. AGSH said the obstruction interfered with her ability to document developments on the ground and carry out her journalistic duties.
In a separate incident, Euronews Albania journalist Alice Taylor reported that a police officer took her phone while she was photographing the demonstration.
According to her account to AGSH, the officer approached her from behind and seized the device without warning. Although Taylor identified herself as a journalist by showing a badge bearing her name and the Euronews logo, the officer allegedly refused several times to return the phone.
The device was returned several minutes later, following the intervention of another police officer and protesters who confirmed her identity as a journalist.
AGSH called for the documented incidents to be investigated and stressed the need to protect media workers’ ability to report freely and safely during public demonstrations.
