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May 07, 2026 – Albania –
Albanian investigative journalist Sami Curri has reported a suspected arson attack on his vehicle, an incident that has prompted renewed concern from press freedom organizations about the safety of journalists and the growing climate of intimidation facing media workers in the country.
According to the International Press Institute (IPI), the attack occurred on the night of April 26, 2026, in the northeastern town of Bulqizë, where Curri’s car was destroyed by fire while parked near his home. Authorities confirmed that no surrounding property was damaged, and early indications suggested the fire was likely deliberately set, raising suspicions of targeted intimidation.
Curri, who runs the local investigative outlet Bulqizaime. al, told IPI that he believes the attack may be connected to his reporting on issues involving alleged misuse of public funds and environmental concerns in the region. He said he had not received explicit threats beforehand but viewed the incident as a warning linked to his journalistic work.
Law enforcement authorities have opened an investigation into the case, treating it as suspected intentional arson. However, as of the latest updates, no suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made, leaving the motive officially unconfirmed.
Press freedom advocates, including IPI, have called on Albanian authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation and to publicly condemn any attacks against journalists. They warned that failure to establish accountability risks encouraging further acts of intimidation against media professionals, particularly those engaged in investigative reporting at the local level.
Curri has stated that he intends to continue his reporting despite the attack, emphasizing his commitment to covering issues of public interest in his region. His case has become part of a broader pattern of concern raised by media watchdogs about journalist safety in Albania.
Monitoring groups have documented ongoing challenges faced by journalists in the country, including political pressure, intimidation, and occasional physical attacks. While Albania has undertaken reforms aimed at improving media freedom, organizations say enforcement gaps and weak protections continue to expose journalists to risk, particularly those investigating corruption or local governance issues.
The incident has therefore intensified calls for stronger institutional safeguards, improved law enforcement response, and greater political commitment to protecting independent journalism in Albania.
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