One of the most unprecedented events in recent years for the Albanian media occurred this morning. The news channel News24, along with its affiliated platforms: BalkanWeb, Gazeta Shqiptare and Panorama, has been blocked after a surprise action by the State Police that led to the total interruption of the transmission signal.
At around 7:00 AM, numerous police units surrounded the premises where the editorial offices of these media outlets operate, prohibiting the entry and exit of journalists and employees.
According to numerous reports, including those by BIRN and Gazeta Shqiptare, the electricity in the building was cut off immediately after the entry of law enforcement, which led to the gradual shutdown of the transmission equipment and, consequently, to the total cessation of News24's signal at around 07:36.
Journalists and technical staff remained in the premises where the editorial office is located and were not allowed to continue working, while no official court decision has been announced regarding this intervention. The action took place without public warning, raising alarms for a direct violation of media freedom and the right to information.
According to current information, the legal clash is related to the ownership of the building, which is now claimed by the state-owned company KAYO, established in 2024 and associated with the production of weapons and military equipment. However, News24 television is the legal tenant of the premises and there have been no final decisions for eviction or confiscation of property.
