Albania: Investigative Reporter Ola Xama Verbally Assaulted by Mayor of Tirana After Waste Investigation
Pro-government media adds to intimidation by using similar narratives against the reporter
Location: Albania, Tirana
Date: July 14, 2023
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj verbally assaults BIRN journalist Ola Xama after publishing an article exposing the role of the mayor in the waste concession in Tirana. Veliaj directly intimidated and accused Xama, even referring to her as a "contracted killer," with pro-government media outlets parroting his language the following day. The Coalition For Women In Journalism fully supports Ola Xama and strongly condemns any attempts to intimidate journalists and curtail press freedom. We urge Mayor Veliaj to end harassment or intimidation against journalists.
"The verbal assault certainly had an effect but did not discourage me from my truth-telling mission. However, being publicly intimidated and lynched does raise doubts about whether I should continue writing," said BIRN journalist Ola Xama in an interview for CFWIJ.
In a BIRN publication on July 13, journalist Ola Xama unveiled how Mayor Veliaj initiated a waste management project he previously denied having ties with. Xama had requested a comment from the mayor before the article's publication to no avail. Approximately 24 hours after the article was published, Mayor Veliaj sent a series of intimidating messages to the reporter.
“Being publicly intimidated and lynched does raise doubts about whether I should continue writing”
Pro-government media outlets quickly followed suit, criticizing the reporter and adopting the mayor's language. The situation raises concerns about the mayor’s potential role in instigating a synchronized effort to tarnish Xama's reputation as a journalist.
Delving into Albania's media sphere
Journalists in Albania face significant political pressure, which has intensified in 2021 due to efforts to control information during parliamentary elections and the Covid-19 pandemic., and politicians frequently make public media appointments.
Journalists who are critical of the government often become targets of political attacks aimed at discrediting them and encounter difficulties accessing information held by the state, while politically influenced media regulators often limit journalists' editorial independence.
Labeling a journalist as a "contracted killer" is especially dangerous. CFWIJ has often documented how powerful individuals' derogatory language puts journalists at risk of both online and physical harassment. Often, it discourages the targetted and other journalists from doing their job.
"There is a need to transform how the municipality and the mayor interact with journalists,” Xama tells CFWIJ. “The municipality and the mayor should adopt a more respectful and constructive approach when engaging with journalists."
The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands firmly with Ola Xama and strongly denounces the attacks made by Mayor Veliaj. Journalists like Xama play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency in governance. We want to emphasize the harm that defamatory language targeting journalists for their reporting undermines democracy and threatens the fundamental principles of a free and independent press. We earnestly urge Mayor Veliaj to end his attacks on journalists and respect the freedom of the press. Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear of reprisal or intimidation. Preserving press freedom is essential for a thriving democracy and a well-informed society.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.