The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the explicit death threat against News24 journalist Osman Stafa and calls on the Albanian authorities to urgently identify the person responsible, establish whether the threat is connected to his journalistic work, and take all necessary measures to ensure his safety.
On 14 September 2026, Stafa filed a criminal complaint with the Directorate for Investigation of Cybercrimes of the Albanian State Police after receiving an explicit death threat through Facebook Messenger. The message threatened to find and kill him and referred to footage he had recently published.
According to Stafa’s statement to the police, on 8 September he had filmed and published footage from a protest outside the Albanian Parliament showing four people in civilian clothes during the detention of a protester. Given the wording and timing of the threatening message, Stafa believes the threat may be connected to the publication of this material.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the State Police and the competent prosecution authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough and effective investigation. Relevant digital evidence should be secured without delay, the person operating the account must be identified, and the possible connection between the threat and Stafa’s reporting must be fully examined. The authorities should also assess the level of risk faced by the journalist and provide appropriate protection where necessary.
The Network recalls that this is not the first serious incident involving Osman Stafa. In December 2025, SafeJournalists condemned a threatening message sent to him following his reporting on conditions at Tirana’s Oncology Hospital and called for a swift and effective investigation. In June 2026, the Network also reacted to a reported incident of verbal abuse and physical intimidation against Stafa following a citizens’ protest in Tirana.
The repeated threats and intimidation reported by Osman Stafa heighten the urgency of a credible and effective institutional response. The latest threat should be investigated on its own facts, with the broader pattern taken into account when assessing the level of risk and any protection measures that may be required.
Death threats against journalists can have a serious chilling effect on reporting and public-interest scrutiny. Journalists must be able to cover protests, document the conduct of public authorities and other actors, and report on matters of public concern without fear of threats, intimidation or retaliation.
The SafeJournalists Network expresses full solidarity with Osman Stafa and will continue to follow the case closely, including the response of the competent authorities.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 14 September 2026
Association of Journalists of Albania
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
