AJM: Strong condemnation of the attack on the ALSAT M TV crew in Vizbegovo

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) strongly condemns today’s physical attack on the news crew of ALSAT M TV, who were reporting on the large fire at the illegal dumpsite in Vizbegovo.

According to information from colleagues, journalist Avni Tahiri and cameraman Shenol Hajredini were physically attacked by an individual believed to be the owner of the waste that allegedly caused the fire. The attacker forcibly took journalist Tahiri’s mobile phone and threw it into the fire, while cameraman Shenol Hajredini was also assaulted and had his camera broken. The individual was arrested by the Ministry of Interior, and the case has been reported to the police.

AJM is in communication with the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor’s Office contact points for the protection of journalists and media workers.

We remind that under the latest amendments to the Criminal Code, any attack on journalists in the course of their professional duties is considered a serious criminal offense, punishable by prison sentences.

We expect the institutions to conduct a swift and effective investigation and to impose an appropriate sanction on the attacker.