Greece: Women Press Freedom Condemns Unjust Three-Hour Detention of Albanian Journalists at Border
November 2, 2024 - Greece, Thessaloniki
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by Albanian journalists at the Kapshtice border crossing while attempting to cover Prime Minister Edi Rama's rally in Thessaloniki, Greece. The unjust three-hour detention of journalists from Klan TV and CNN affiliate A2, along with the arbitrary requirement for a special permit for live transmission equipment, represents a troubling infringement on the freedom of the press.
Journalists play a critical role in informing the public and holding power to account, and any action that obstructs their ability to report freely undermines the principles of democracy and transparency. The seizure of their passports and the insistence that they leave their equipment behind are unacceptable practices that hinder journalistic integrity and the right to free expression.
We call on the Greek authorities to ensure that all journalists, regardless of their nationality, are treated with respect and allowed to perform their duties without hindrance. It is imperative that governments uphold their commitments to press freedom, particularly in situations of heightened political tension.
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with the affected journalists and reaffirms the need for protective measures that guarantee the safety and autonomy of all media professionals. We urge all stakeholders to advocate for a climate where journalists can operate freely, without fear of intimidation or obstruction.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marine's family and loved ones and urge authorities to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into her untimely passing.
Women Press Freedom demands immediate accountability from Georgian authorities. These assaults on the press are assaults on democracy itself. The world must stand with Georgian journalists now—before it’s too late.
Jelena Mirković and cameraman Aleksandar Cvrkotić attacked while they were covering a protest in Belgrade. Shoved, struck, and harassed, Mirković called it the worst attack in her decade-long career.
We urge the U.S. judicial system to ensure Williams receives the justice she deserves and to hold these media companies accountable for any breaches of law and ethics.
We demand Pakistani authorities investigate the incidents and hold those responsible to account.
We demand Chinese authorities release Zhang Zhan immediately and end the persecution of journalists.
Court issues an arrest warrant for France 24 journalist Catherine Norris Trent, accusing her of “illegally entering” Kursk while reporting on Ukraine’s summer incursion.
After announcing that EFJ would no longer be posting on X, Maja faced an onslaught of threats and misogynistic insults.
Journalist Nika Novak was sentenced to 4 years in a penal colony under the vague charge of “collaborating with a foreign organization.”
Several media workers detained in coordinated morning raids across the country. Among those detained are Roza Metina, Bilge Aksu, Ahmet Sümbül, and Erdoğan Alayumat.
Known for exposing human rights abuses in one of the world’s most repressive regimes, Soltan Achilova was detained under the false pretense of an “infection” and held without a clear diagnosis.
Russian drones targeted Hromadske journalists Ksyusha Savoskina and Oleksiy Nikulin. Their car, carrying filming equipment, was destroyed in an explosion. Forced to walk 3km under drone threats, they narrowly escaped injury.
Journalist Meskerem Abera, founder of Ethio Nikat, sentenced to one year and four months for "computer crimes" over YouTube content, accused of inciting unrest
Attack comes after Russian authorities initiated an administrative case against Larina in July, accusing her of failing to label her content with the "foreign agent" tag.
On November 21, 2024, Muslimova disappeared after informing her niece she was heading to visit her mother. Witnesses later reported seeing her forced into a vehicle by FSB agents.
Journalist Kristina Demeter Filipčev was verbally and physically attacked while covering the "Stop Serbia" protest in Bečej, Vojvodina.
On November 22, 2024 the journalist received a death threat via Facebook from an account under the name Milenko Protić.
On November 22, 2024, the Court of Cassation has upheld Beritan Canözer’s prison sentence for "terrorist propaganda," stemming from her social media posts from 2013-2016.
While covering the “Stop, Serbia” rally in Belgrade on November 22, 2024, Nova journalist Ana Marković was punched by an angry driver, who also knocked her phone to the ground. Nearby bystanders intervened to defend her.
Within hours of publishing her investigation, Galarza received threats from the involved officers, warning of physical harm.
WPF strongly condemns the attack on Lorena Resulaj, who was physically assaulted while questioning Roskovec Mayor Majlinda Bufi. Shocking footage shows municipal staff forcibly removing the Piranjat reporter as the mayor looked on.
We demand authorities in the region to stop weaponizing the law to attack journalists and undermine press freedom. We also call for their immediate release and for them to be allowed to work freely without any fear of retaliation.
We demand authorities in the Philippines to probe Montes’ doxing and ensure protection of citizens’ data, holding culprits to accounts.
WPF stands with the journalists attacked this morning in Tbilisi, including OCMedia's Mariam Nikuradze, who fell twice, and camera operators violently assaulted by riot police while covering protests against election results.
Palestinian journalist Rasha Herzallah has been sentenced to 6 months in prison and fined by an Israeli military court for alleged "incitement on social media.
As the Baku hosts world leaders at COP29, wrongfully jailed Abzas Media journalists Sevinj Vagifqizi, Elnara Gasimova, & Nargiz Absalamova are assaulted in ther detention center.
Journalists Aytaj Tapdyg and Khayala Agaeva were briefly detained & forcibly removed while covering a COP29 protest in Baku.
Women Press Freedom condemns this harassment and calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately halt these practices and uphold press freedom.
Journalist Tanya Fowles, who uncovered serious flaws in the police handling of Katie Simpson’s case—whose death was initially misclassified as a suicide—alleges she has been under police surveillance in connection with her work on the case.
