
Citizens.al journalist Vjolanda Peca was escorted and held at the Police Station for about two hours, following today's protest in front of the Parliament premises.
In a public reaction, the Citizens.al editorial team considered the escorting of the journalist against her will and her detention for more than two hours at the police station unacceptable, considering it a serious violation of the freedom to practice her profession.
"The escorting of the journalist to the police station against her will and the holding of her for more than two hours in conditions of deprivation of liberty is unacceptable and a serious violation of the freedom to practice her profession, which should not be repeated," the editorial team's response states.
According to Citizens.al, Peca was performing her duties as a journalist, reporting on the protest in front of Parliament, when she was escorted by State Police officers.
The editorial office emphasizes that journalists have the right and constitutional obligation to report events of public interest without being hindered or intimidated by the authorities.
"Journalists have the obligation and constitutional right to report events of public interest, without being hindered, intimidated or escorted by authorities because of their work. Any interference that violates the free exercise of the profession constitutes a serious concern for media freedom and the public's right to be informed," the reaction further states.
Citizens.al called on the authorities to guarantee the free and safe exercise of the journalistic profession, emphasizing its commitment to protecting media freedom and the right to information.