Journalists rally for right to report free of risking violence from authorities
Story Highlights
- A video that made the internet rounds showed Marku’s bodyguard grabbing and pushing Salianji as he directed the microphone towards the GP to ask her a question.
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TIRANA, April 16 – A group of journalists gathered in front of the General Prosecution Office on Sunday to protest against the violence that took place from one of temporary General Prosecutor Arta Marku’s bodyguards towards journalist Renaldo Salianji.
A video that made the internet rounds showed Marku’s bodyguard grabbing and pushing Salianji as he directed the microphone towards the GP to ask her a question.
Journalists protested because they feel threatened or intimidated as they exercise their profession, and demand for the threats toward them to stop.
“Allow us to do our job! The messenger is sacred!,” where some of the journalists’ calls during the protest. With placards and microphones chained in symbolic form, journalists protested against intimidation, threats and violence exercised against them. They demanded the dismissal of the Prosecutor’s bodyguard and Marku’s apology.
Meanwhile, former Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku said on Monday the international organization Reporters Without Borders condemned the police violence against journalists that took place during the opposition’s anti-gov’t rally on Saturday, which saw thousands marching against the socialist majority.
“Today Reporters Without Borders reacted to the violence exercised during the protest, where journalists reporting were part of it! At least two journalists ended up in the hospital, one due to the tear gas and due to police violence which took place only because they were reporting the opposition’s protest! This violence against citizens, journalists, farmers, students and anyone who opposes must end,” Tabaku said.
