Use of pressurized water against journalists at the DP protest/ "Safe Journalists" reacts

2026-05-11 13:51:00, Aktualitet CNA

Use of pressurized water against journalists at the DP protest/ "Safe

The SafeJournalists Network expresses concern following the incident during the Democratic Party protest, held in Tirana on May 8, 2026, where the Syri TV media team was hit by the use of pressurized water by the police, while reporting live from the protest.

According to footage, the pressurized water hit the camera, cameraman Armando Varfi and journalist Marsi Korreshi, who was reporting from the scene. The incident occurred during clashes between protesters and the State Police, at a time when crowd management measures were being used.

Journalist Marsi Korreshi told the SafeJournalists Network in Albania that she was hit twice by pressurized water, at very close range and in the face. She said the second blow came suddenly and knocked her to the ground.

"All of my colleagues faced a lot of water, but I had the bad luck of not being able to defend myself for a moment and falling. I believe everyone was in difficulty last night," said Korreshi.

The SafeJournalists Network emphasizes that journalists, cameramen, photojournalists and other media workers should be able to report from public gatherings and protests without being exposed to disproportionate risks. The use of crowd management measures should take into account the presence of media workers, especially when they are clearly identifiable, and should be implemented in a way that does not endanger their safety or hinder their work.

Authorities have a positive obligation to ensure that journalists and media workers can carry out their work safely, including during politically tense demonstrations. This requires proportionate crowd management measures, clear operational guidelines for police officers on the ground, and practical guarantees for the safety of media workers covering events of public interest.

The SafeJournalists Network calls on the State Police to examine the circumstances of this incident, to assess whether sufficient measures were taken to protect media workers present at the protest, and to ensure that future police operations during public gatherings include clear measures for the safety of journalists and operators.

At the same time, media outlets should continue to conduct risk assessments and provide appropriate safety instructions and protective equipment when assigning staff to cover high-risk events.

The SafeJournalists Network expresses solidarity with Marsi Korreshi, Armando Varfi and all journalists and media workers who covered the protest in difficult conditions. Protecting their safety is essential to guaranteeing the public's right to information.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, May 11, 2026

SafeJournalists Network

Journalists' Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Kosovo Journalists Association

Macedonian Journalists Association

Croatian Journalists Association

Independent Journalists Association of Serbia

Media Union of Montenegro