The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern regarding developments during the press conference held by Prime Minister Edi Rama on 13 March 2026 in Tirana.
The event was interrupted following a heated exchange between the Prime Minister and journalist Ambrozia Meta while discussing a matter of public interest. Following the interruption, the Prime Minister reportedly informed the journalist that she would no longer be allowed to attend his press conferences.
Similar incidents between the Prime Minister and journalist Ambrozia Meta have been documented previously and have already prompted reactions from press freedom monitoring mechanisms, including SafeJournalists Network.
While robust debate between journalists and public officials is part of democratic scrutiny, repeated incidents that result in the exclusion of journalists or the stigmatization of critical media risk setting a precedent that undermines equal access to public information and weakens public accountability.
During the same interruption of the press conference, journalist Isa Myzyraj, the Chairman of the Association of Journalists of Albania, was also asked to leave following a verbal exchange.
Respectful and professional communication between public officials and journalists is essential to ensure that press conferences remain spaces where journalists can question those in power on matters of public interest.
SafeJournalists Network also notes with concern the rhetoric used toward critical media during the press conference. The repeated use of the term “tenxhere” (boiling pot) to refer to certain media outlets carries a derogatory and dismissive connotation in the Albanian context and risks stigmatizing critical journalism.
SafeJournalists Network recalls that concerns about the conduct or legality of media outlets have led to the establishment of institutional channels in Albania.
Questions of journalistic standards and editorial conduct should be addressed through the relevant self-regulatory and regulatory bodies, in accordance with applicable procedures.
The Network is further troubled by public accusations made during the press conference that two media outlets are involved in criminal activities, such as money laundering or fiscal evasion, without any evidence being presented. Where allegations of criminal conduct are made against media organisations, these fall within the jurisdiction of competent law enforcement authorities, subject to due process and the presumption of innocence, and conducted in accordance with transparency and accountability.
Public accusations of criminal activity by a head of government at a press conference, without evidence and outside any institutional framework, do not constitute accountability but risk creating pressure on the media. The state’s obligation to protect media freedom, as established by Council of Europe standards, is not contingent on the government’s assessment of a given outlet’s editorial line or ownership.
SafeJournalists Network calls on public authorities in Albania to ensure transparent and fair access for all journalists to official press events, refrain from selectively excluding journalists, and address any allegations concerning media outlets exclusively through lawful institutional channels, with full respect for media freedom and due process. The Network also encourages media organizations and journalists to continue upholding the highest standards of professional journalism and integrity.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, March 13, 2026
Association of BH journalists
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Macedonian Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
