Albanian media and opposition reject special court's press restrictions

Albanian media organisations and the opposition Democratic Party are demanding the withdrawal of new internal regulations issued by the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO). Under Decision No. 49, journalists must submit access requests 24 hours in advance, surrender electronic devices, and operate under a media pool system.

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

The ongoing dispute underscores persistent concerns surrounding press safety in Albania, where past security threats have driven investigative reporters to seek political asylum abroad.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Faktoje, Gazeta Tema, Koha.