Albania

Although the government says the ban is to protect children and privacy, rights groups say it “significantly exceeds proportionality” and should be revoked.

New research by SEENPM and partners documents a rise in attacks on journalists, and a decline in public trust in the media due to political influence over editorial policies.

A security guard was shot dead by unknown assailants on the premises of the leading national TV station ‘Top Channel’, where he was stationed in a booth outside the building​​.

IPI: “Journalists have a right to document the actions of the police as a matter of public interest, and these detentions are a violation of the public’s right to know. Authorities must also immediately investigate reports of journalists being assaulted by police, including while in custody.”

The proposed amendments could have a chilling effect on the right to freedom of expression online and also restrict Albanian citizens’ right to access to information.

If new draft laws enter into force, they will introduce mandatory registration for online media and create a body with the power to fine, shut down and block sites and platforms – all without a court order. Online media will be regulated by the state.

Mission comprising ECPMF & IFEX members makes recommendations on journalists’ safety, transparency in press legislation & ownership, state regulation of online media, access to politicians and smear campaigns targeting the press.

After being severely beaten, Albanian journalist Elvi Fundo wrote on his Facebook page that the assault was “not a political act, but a crime [carried out] by corrupt media clans with ties to the drug mafia,” but did not elaborate.

Journalist Lindita Cela now faces up to two years in prison for criminal slander, despite the recent parliamentary vote to abolish prison sentences for defamation.

The penal code amendments include the abolishment of imprisonment as well as the involvement of the public prosecutor in defamation cases.

Ened Janina was beaten by a policeman who told him, “I do not give a damn that you are a journalist,” and Fatos Mahmutaj was shot at by a police officer who opened fire from the Prime Minister’s office courtyard.

A Tirana District Court ruled in favour of a claim filed by former Albanian minister of culture Ylli Pango against the television station.

Diana Kalaja was dismissed from her position as deputy director-general without advance notice.

Local sources reported that editor Mero Baze was beaten by businessman Rezart Taci and his bodyguards after the editor produced a serious of reports accusing Taci of tax evasion.