A prime minister who portrays journalists as enemies of the police is preparing an alibi for any abuse against them. The message is dangerous: the problem is not what the government does, but who dares to show it.
The allegations of violence against SYRI and News24 journalists require an independent investigation. The uniform is not the property of the prime minister. The budget is not a loyalty fund. And bonuses for police officers cannot serve as a shield from responsibility.
This is where the new American ambassador's ordeal begins. If you're here to represent America, welcome. But protecting American investments doesn't exempt you from the responsibility to speak out when the press is being violated. On the contrary: silence makes every speech about democracy sound like an advertisement.
Zvërnec may be a business project. Albania is not. If the diplomatic voice is only heard when talking about investments, Albanians have the right to ask who that voice represents. The title "sheriff" is not given by appointment. Authority is given by attitude.
Even the opposition must give up waiting for signals from embassies. It has a mandate from the Albanians. It cannot ask for their trust and the diplomats' permission to act. While those in the media who wait to see which side the scales are on are taking into account the freedom of their colleagues. Today they are silent for the other. Tomorrow they may demand that someone speak for them.
For Rama, the message is clear: every abuse we document we will publish. Every violence will demand accountability. Journalists are not your employees. Albania is not your company. And the truth does not take orders from your office.
