Investigative journalist Elton Qyno has reported an alleged physical attack and a series of threats, raising suspicions that the incidents could be connected to individuals associated with the Çapja group in Elbasan.
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| Investigative journalist Elton Qyno has reported an alleged physical attack near American Hospital 3 and a series of threats raising concerns about the safety of reporters covering organized crime. |
Journalist Says He Was Attacked Near American Hospital 3
According to Qyno's account, the alleged attack took place near American Hospital 3 in Tirana.
The journalist claims that he was attacked by the wife of Florenc Çapja, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment. According to information made public about the incident, the alleged attacker initially struck Qyno with a mobile phone and then with a handbag and other objects she was carrying.
Following the incident, Qyno filed a criminal complaint with the police.
Authorities are expected to examine security camera footage and carry out procedural steps aimed at identifying the person allegedly involved and clarifying exactly what happened.
At this stage, the circumstances and alleged responsibility for the attack remain subject to official verification.
Qyno Says He Had Also Received Threatening Messages
In addition to reporting the physical confrontation, Elton Qyno said that he had previously received several threatening messages.
According to the journalist, the people behind those messages were allegedly connected to the Çapja group.
These claims remain allegations made by Qyno and have not been established as facts by the authorities. Investigators are expected to determine whether the alleged threats were connected to the incident and whether there was a common motive.
Elton Qyno Has Reported Extensively on Organized Crime
Elton Qyno is an Albanian investigative journalist known for reporting on organized crime, criminal investigations and cases involving powerful figures and criminal groups.
His work has included reporting on developments involving criminal groups in Elbasan and investigations conducted by Albania's Special Prosecution Office (SPAK).
Qyno has also previously been involved in legal proceedings connected to a SPAK investigation concerning a case involving the group associated with Suel Çela.
According to decisions by Albania's Special Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, allegations concerning his supposed involvement in criminal activity or deleting news reports in exchange for payment were not proven, and no criminal responsibility was established against the journalist.
Constitutional Court Case Involved Seized Devices
Qyno's name has also been at the center of a separate legal dispute concerning the seizure of his mobile phones and personal belongings following his reporting on communications from the encrypted Sky ECC platform involving individuals suspected of links to organized crime.
The Constitutional Court of Albania later examined the case concerning the seizure of computer data from the journalist.
The case raised broader questions about journalists' freedom of expression, the protection of journalistic sources and the limits of investigative authorities when accessing journalists' electronic devices.
The Constitutional Court's decision became an important part of the wider debate in Albania over the protection of journalistic sources and press freedom.
Authorities Investigate the Latest Incident
The latest case is now expected to focus on establishing what happened during the alleged confrontation and whether the threats reported by Qyno are connected to it.
Security camera footage, witness statements and the threatening messages allegedly received by the journalist could become important elements of the investigation.
For now, there is no official conclusion establishing that the Çapja group was responsible for the alleged attack or threats. Any such connection remains an allegation and must be verified by the competent authorities.
The incident nevertheless raises renewed concerns about the safety of investigative journalists in Albania, particularly those reporting on organized crime and sensitive criminal investigations.