Albanian journalists and opposition criticize new court media rules

Albania's Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) is facing mounting pushback over Decision No. 49, a set of internal regulations restricting media access. The rules require journalists to submit access requests 24 hours in advance, surrender electronic devices, and operate under a media pool system.

The Union of Albanian Journalists warned that the policy violates the constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, asserting that the measures legalize censorship. Opposition Democratic Party spokesperson Floriana Garo also urged the court to withdraw the policy, declaring that "security cannot be used to limit transparency".

The ongoing dispute highlights persistent concerns surrounding press safety in Albania, where security threats have previously forced investigative reporters to seek political asylum abroad.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Faktoje, Gazeta Tema.