FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Full decriminalization of defamation and insult in the new Criminal Code of the Republic of Albania. This is the request that media organizations submitted before the start of the plenary session in the Albanian Parliament, where amendments to the Criminal Code are expected to be discussed and approved.
The statement states that although some of the anticipated changes are considered positive, the draft expected to be approved today does not meet European Union standards nor the demands of the media community for the full guarantee of freedom of expression.
"First, the text provides for protection and decriminalization of defamation only for journalists who are registered and known. This is not a complete solution. Albania does not have and should not have a registry for journalists," the statement said.
The organization emphasizes that any attempt to regulate the profession through registration brings legal uncertainty and violates freedom of expression, inhibiting not only journalists but also civil society activists who express critical opinions.
According to the organization, these concerns are also shared by other domestic and international structures. The media organization underlines that the reform to decriminalize defamation does not solve all the problems related to media freedom and that a deeper reform is needed, to address working conditions, political pressures and other guarantees for the independence of journalists. In conclusion, the journalists call on the majority and the deputies of the Assembly to conclude this reform in a complete and comprehensive manner, avoiding superficial changes that do not guarantee real protection for freedom of expression.
"We have been carefully following the changes to the Criminal Code. Despite some of them being positive changes, we regret to note that the draft that will be approved today does not meet EU standards and our requirements for freedom of expression."
First, the text provides for protection and decriminalization of defamation only for those journalists who are registered and known. This is not a complete requirement. Albania does not have and should not have a registry for journalists.
Any attempt to regulate the profession brings legal uncertainty and inhibits freedom of expression. This initiative also inhibits civil society activists from expressing themselves. These are not only our concerns, but also those of many other structures.
We want to emphasize that decriminalization reform does not solve all the challenges. A broader reform is required, which includes better working conditions and protection from political pressures.
"A deeper agenda is required, not shallow changes. We demand that the majority and the members of the Assembly complete this reform in full," said Blerjana Bino, representative of the Media Organization.
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