The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern following the incident during the 8 May 2026 Democratic Party protest in Tirana, in which the Syri TV media crew was affected by the use of police water cannons while covering the protest live.
According to camera footage, the pressurised water hit the camera, camera operator Armando Varfi, and journalist Marsi Korreshi, who was reporting from the scene. The incident occurred during clashes between protesters and the State Police, when crowd-control measures were used.
Journalist Marsi Korreshi told SafeJournalists Network in Albania that she was hit twice by pressurised water at very close range, directed toward her face. She said that the second impact came unexpectedly and caused her to fall to the ground.
“All colleagues faced a lot of water, but I had the misfortune of not being able to protect myself for a moment and I fell. I believe everyone was in difficulty last night,” Korreshi stated.
The SafeJournalists Network emphasises that journalists, camera operators, photojournalists and other media workers must be able to report from public assemblies and protests without being exposed to disproportionate risk. The use of crowd-control measures must take into account the presence of clearly identifiable media workers and must be applied in a manner that does not endanger their safety or obstruct their work.
Authorities have a positive obligation to ensure that journalists and media workers can perform their duties safely, including during politically tense demonstrations. This requires proportionate crowd-management measures, clear operational instructions to police officers on the ground, and practical safeguards for media workers covering events of public interest.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the State Police to review the circumstances of this incident, assess whether sufficient measures were taken to protect media workers present at the protest, and ensure that future police operations during public assemblies include clear measures for the safety of journalists and camera operators.
At the same time, media outlets should continue to conduct risk assessments and provide adequate safety guidance and protective equipment when assigning staff to cover high-risk events.
The SafeJournalists Network stands in solidarity with Marsi Korreshi, Armando Varfi and all journalists and media workers who covered the protest under difficult conditions. Protecting their safety is essential for safeguarding the public’s right to information.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 11 May 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
