The SafeJournalists Network expresses serious concern over the public intimidation and attempt to discredit investigative journalist Klodiana Lala of News24 by Vlora Hyseni, former Director of Albania’s State Intelligence Service (SHISH), on 24 September 2026.
The incident occurred outside Albania’s Special Court against Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO), where Hyseni appeared in connection with an ongoing investigation by the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK). Hyseni is under house arrest in proceedings stemming from a wider investigation regarding an alleged criminal group suspected of manipulating public tenders at Albania’s National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI). Lala had reported in the preceding days on the case and on Hyseni’s alleged communications with Ergys Agasi, a businessman and central figure in the AKSHI investigation.
As Lala questioned Hyseni about those communications, Hyseni responded: “Klodi, how are your meetings with Serbian agents in the rooms of the Rogner Hotel?” The allegation was made publicly, in front of other journalists and cameras.
SafeJournalists considers the incident particularly serious because Lala was carrying out her professional duty and questioning a powerful former state official about a matter of clear public interest when the scrutiny was redirected towards the journalist herself. Associating an investigative journalist with foreign intelligence actors can damage her credibility and expose her to harassment, threats and safety risks. This is particularly concerning given previous smear campaigns and harassment targeting Lala in connection with her reporting on corruption and organised crime.
Hyseni’s position makes the statement considerably more serious. Her claim to know whom Lala allegedly met and where raises concerns about the possible use of privileged information obtained through state intelligence structures. This has direct implications for journalists’ privacy, possible surveillance and the confidentiality of their professional contacts and sources.
The statement raises concerns about whether information on Lala’s movements or professional contacts was accessed or used by intelligence structures. Such concerns can also deter sources from speaking to journalists and undermine sensitive investigative reporting.
The incident also raises concerns about the possible misuse of intelligence authority or information. Using intelligence-derived information to intimidate or discredit a journalist would threaten source confidentiality and interfere with independent reporting.
SafeJournalists calls on Vlora Hyseni to immediately retract the accusation against Klodiana Lala and refrain from further statements that may intimidate, discredit or endanger the journalist.
The Network calls on SHISH and the competent oversight and judicial institutions to examine whether any information held or obtained through state intelligence structures concerning Klodiana Lala, her movements, communications or professional contacts was accessed, disclosed or used in connection with this incident, while ensuring full protection of the journalist’s confidential sources and professional communications.
The Albanian authorities should also assess any increased safety risks for Lala following the accusation and respond promptly to any threats, harassment or further targeting.
SafeJournalists stresses that journalists must be able to investigate and question powerful current and former officials without being subjected to intimidation, accusations of disloyalty, or suggestions that their confidential professional contacts are being monitored. Such conduct risks creating a chilling effect not only on the targeted journalist but also on the wider media community and on sources willing to provide information in the public interest.
The SafeJournalists Network will continue to follow the case and will inform relevant national and international stakeholders of further developments.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 24 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
