The SafeJournalists Network expresses serious concern over the ongoing online smear campaign and coordinated harassment targeting journalists Anila Hoxha and Klodiana Lala, whose reporting on the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK), high-level corruption, and organised crime cases serves a clear public interest.
The scale of engagement and the degrading, gender-based tone of much of the commentary go beyond legitimate criticism and indicate a pattern of intimidation that risks creating a chilling effect on investigative journalism.Public commentary framed in this manner may also encourage further harassment, hostile behavior, or attempts to mobilize online attacks against journalists.
Journalists covering corruption and organized crime are particularly exposed to pressure and retaliatory narratives because of the sensitivity and impact of their reporting. Sexualized insinuations, reputational attacks, and coordinated online abuse undermine not only the safety and dignity of the journalists concerned, but also democratic accountability and public trust in independent scrutiny of powerful actors.
SafeJournalists Network stands in firm solidarity with Anila Hoxha, Klodiana Lala, and all journalists working in the public interest to hold those in power accountable. We call on public figures and media professionals themselves to refrain from rhetoric that fuels harassment, gender-based attacks, or reputational smears against colleagues. Professional disagreements must never cross into campaigns of intimidation or personal degradation.
Journalists have a particular responsibility to uphold ethical standards and safeguard the integrity of the profession. Normalizing smear tactics against reporters covering corruption and organized crime weakens not only individual journalists, but the credibility of the media as a whole and the democratic oversight function it serves.
We also call on Albanian public officials, political actors, media outlet representatives, and relevant institutions to clearly distance themselves from such rhetoric and to actively contribute to an enabling and safe environment for independent reporting.
SafeJournalists Network will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain committed to supporting journalists facing pressure and threats in the course of their professional duties.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, February 26, 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
