Veliaj's attack on the media, the secretary of the European Federation of Journalists: We are outraged!

The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, during the meeting for the presentation of the project for the fast bus line two days ago, denounced several online sites which, according to him, imposed fines on public transport companies, for not publishing news about them.

 He mentioned the case of the site 'Jeta Osh Qef' and Lolita, as two portals that we regularly impose fines, coming up with names for their leaders.

The secretary of the European Federation of Phasers, Ricardo Guiterres, also reacted to this case.

Through a post on Facebook, he addressed Veliaj that and why he might not like it, these pages are using humor to keep those in power.

He exposed the case of Top Channel to Veliaj by saying: I remind Mr. Veliaj that a few days ago a person was killed in the premises of Top Channel in Albania and that he should not contribute to a further deterioration of the security of public commenters.

FULL REACTION

I am outraged by the behavior of the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, in revealing the identity of the administrators of the Albanian satirical pages on Facebook, Lolita and JOQ. These pages, while not strictly journalistic, help to keep those in power with humor (like it or not).

Mr. Veliaj published the names and very private family information of these people, claiming that he had "identified" them by putting them in direct physical danger. Just a few hours ago he mentioned them again and said that the police were on their way, hinting that they might be arrested.

I remind Mr. Veliaj that a few days ago a person was killed in the premises of Top Channel in Albania and that he should not contribute to a further deterioration of the security of public commentators.

This is a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and the right to anonymity. I hope that Prime Minister Edi Rama ensures that this dangerous behavior is stopped immediately. Public officials are expected to protect democracy and freedom of expression. Not to threaten and intimidate dissenting voices.