"We are not criminals that you bring the police and the army to us" - with this call, journalists and employees of the Focus Media News company, along with colleagues from other media outlets, gathered today at the entrance to the News24 building, which has been occupied by military police for three days.
The protest, launched by the Journalists Association of Albania, came after the State Police occupied the premises of News24 television on the morning of August 9, without a court decision, without the presence of a bailiff, and without prior notice.
Currently, 230 journalists, technicians and employees of News24, BalkanWeb and Panorama are not allowed to work, while News24's broadcast has been interrupted by interference that is denounced as illegal. The protest is attended by journalists, public figures, politicians and activists, who warn that silence regarding this action seriously endangers media freedom and democracy in the country.
The protest in front of the News24 building continued with a strong speech by journalist Klodiana Lala, who emphasized that the authorities' interruption of the signal is a blow not only to a media outlet, but to citizens and the right to information.
Speaking to the assembled colleagues, activists and citizens, Lala emphasized that News24 has been at the forefront of accurate and impartial news reporting for 25 years, uncovering events and scandals of public importance. She stated that television is not just about a building, but is a mission that will continue despite the “arrogance of power.”
"Journalism is not a job, but a mission. News24 will be here to report every detail, with the citizens and in front of them," she declared, adding that efforts to shut down this media voice are destined to fail.
Lala called for more solidarity from the media community, recalling that the public knows the professionalism of News24 and will continue to trust this television as a major source of news. The protesters vowed to continue the battle for the restoration of broadcasting and for the protection of freedom of speech in Albania.
