Albania: Swift justice needed following deadly attack on ‘Top Channel’
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.
Albanian police detain and assault journalists documenting police violence
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.”
Rights groups raise concerns as Albania looks to push ahead with controversial ‘anti-defamation law’
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.
Albanian authorities pursue highly problematic media laws despite public outcry
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.
Free expression coalition finds press freedom deteriorating in Albania
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.
Journalist severely beaten in Albania
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 charged with slander despite defamation reforms
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.
IPI welcomes defamation reform, presses for full decriminalisation
The penal code amendments include the abolishment of imprisonment as well as the involvement of the public prosecutor in defamation cases.
IFJ condemns press freedom abuses against journalists
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.
Court fines Top Channel TV for airing alleged sexual harassment scandal tape
A Tirana District Court ruled in favour of a claim filed by former Albanian minister of culture Ylli Pango against the television station.
Alleged political pressure at public broadcaster Radio Televizioni Shqiptar
Diana Kalaja was dismissed from her position as deputy director-general without advance notice.
Independent editor attacked following critical reports
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.
Newspaper’s eviction seen as sign of growing political pressure exerted by government against critical voices in media
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is a press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate: SEEMO concerned over eviction of Albanian newspaper TemA from its premises Vienna, 20 January 2009 The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe […]
Albanian, Croatian journalists threatened, violently assaulted; Montenegrin publisher, newspaper lose one exorbitant lawsuit, hit by another
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is a press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate: SEEMO CONCERNED ABOUT CURRENT MEDIA ENVIRONMENT IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the […]