Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj has insulted a journalist in Tirana as they attempted to ask him questions about ongoing expropriations while conducting tree planting.
ORA News was there to report on the public activities, but when approached by journalist Isa Myzyraj, Veliaj turned and said, “how can you not be ashamed? How do you tell your parents that you work for a drug trafficker?”
The journalist replied by identifying himself as a media worker and asking his question again. Veliaj’s bodyguards then attempted to block Myzyraj from asking any more questions. Veliaj told him again, “go work for the drug trafficker while I finish my work”.
Veliaj then proceeded to call the journalist a “brainless” (material legenash) and told him to “shut up”.
The journalist then asked the Mayor to use such language in English while in the presence of the international guests. To which Veliaj replied, “Yes, I will insult you in English as well.”
The incident took place in front of the Austrian ambassador to Tirana Christian Schmidt, the EU delegation and representatives from the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. Exit has contacted them for comment.
He then accused the journalist of “living off drugs” and said that he should be ashamed once again.
ORA News owner Ylli Ndroqi had his assets seized in summer 2020 over allegations that they were acquired with the proceeds of drug trafficking. He has however been convicted in Turkey, under a different name, nevertheless, he denies it and says the case is political.
Appeals Court Upholds Decision to Seize Ora News Owner Ylli Ndroqi’s Assets
Armed police surrounded the TV station, causing concern and fear in the journalists that were present. Local and international media organizations said using such force was excessive and sent a chilling message to journalists or media critical of the government.
But this is not the first time Veliaj or his team have been abusive to journalists. His bodyguards have manhandled reporters on several occasions, preventing them from filming Veliaj in public or asking questions.
RSF: Apology Needed following Second Media Violation in Presence of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj
As Exit journalist Alice Taylor attempted to ask him questions related to apparent plagiarism by the Municipality, he called her a fascist that serves Russia and said she should be ashamed before blocking her.
