FLASH
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One of the most unprecedented cases that ever happened to an investigative journalist such as the reporter of "Ora News", Elton Qyno, has brought the strong reaction of the most well-known organizations in the world for the protection of journalists and their freedoms during reporting.
The 13 journalists' protection organizations have come out with a joint statement, addressing the head of the SPAK prosecution, Altin Dumani, to whom they request the return of the equipment seized from the journalist Elton Qyno.
As well as the cessation of all efforts to discover his sources, it would show understanding, respect, and protection of media freedom and journalistic sources in Albania.
" ...the actions carried out against Mr. Qyno, including the search of his apartment and office and the seizure of personal and professional equipment, set a disturbing precedent. Such measures will affect the rights of journalists and the freedom of the media in Albania and beyond... ", says the joint statement of 13 organizations.
Below is the complete joint letter signed by the 13 organizations addressed to the head of SPAK, Altin Dumani, pointing out all the legislative practice of the European Court of Human Rights.
FULL LETTER
Directed by: Mr. Altin Dumani
Head of the Special Prosecutor's Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK)
Subject: The case of journalist Elton Qyno
We, the members of the Safe Journalists Network and the partner organizations of the Rapid Response for Freedom of the Media (MFRR) and Reporters Without Borders, are writing to you to express our concerns over the recent actions taken by SPAK against the journalist Elton Qyno.
The decision to seize Mr. Qyno's equipment and press him to reveal his sources is an important issue for us as an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of journalists, media freedom and journalistic integrity.
The actions performed against Mr. Qyno, including the search of his apartment and office and the seizure of personal and professional equipment, set a disturbing precedent.
Such measures will affect the rights of journalists and media freedom in Albania and beyond.
We recognize the necessity of legal compliance in court proceedings. However, balancing this with the internationally recognized principle of protecting journalistic sources is essential.
This principle is not only critical to the rights of journalists, but is also essential to the public's right to information and the overall viability of a democratic society.
Based on these considerations, we call on SPAK to reevaluate its approach in this case.
Returning the seized equipment to Mr. Qyno and ceasing all efforts to discover his sources would show understanding, respect, and protection of media freedom and journalistic sources in Albania.
This approach would comply with the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights and other international entities dedicated to media freedom.
We call on your office to prioritize the protection of journalistic sources, which is fundamental to the preservation of press freedom and democratic principles.
The relationship of trust between journalists, their sources, the public and law enforcement depends heavily on respecting and maintaining these values.
We thank you for your attention to this matter and look forward to a decision that supports media freedom and protects journalistic sources in Albania.
Our organizations will continue to closely monitor the situation and report any further developments.
1. Safe Journalists Network
2. Association of Journalists of Kosovo
3. Association of Journalists of Macedonia
4. BiH Journalists Association
5. Croatian Journalists' Association
6. Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
7. Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
8. European Center for Press and Media Freedom
9. European Federation of Journalists
10. Free Press Unlimited
11. International Press Institute
12. OBC Transeuropa
13. Reporters Without Borders. / Ora News
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