The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern over the reported verbal attack and physical intimidation against journalist Osman Stafa on the evening of 21 June 2026 in central Tirana, following the citizens’ protest.
According to the police statement, the incident occurred at around 22:00 near Skënderbej Square, in Tirana where police were notified of a conflict involving several people. Stafa filed a complaint at Police Commissariat No. 3, alleging that he had been insulted and lightly injured by unknown persons who attacked him and the group of two journalists and their translator with whom Stafa was. Police also questioned persons suspected of insults and attack, and they gave a different account of the incident, after which officials stated that investigative actions were continuing under the direction of the prosecution.
Stafa told the SafeJournalists Network: “I was verbally attacked with serious insults regarding my work as a journalist. I was walking with two foreign journalists and their translator during the protest march. I became upset and felt unsafe. I did not know these persons. I filed a complaint with the police and will continue to pursue the case.”
The Network calls for a swift, impartial, and effective investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident. Journalists must be able to report on protests, document public-interest developments and participate in public debate without being exposed to intimidation, insults or physical confrontation.
In a tense civic and political environment, all actors should avoid language or behavior that may put journalists at risk or further erode their safety.
The SafeJournalists Network will continue to follow the case and expects a clear institutional response.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on media freedom and democratic values.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 22 June 2026
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
