Albanian media union and opposition condemn new court reporting rules

The Union of Albanian Journalists and the opposition Democratic Party have criticized new internal regulations implemented by Albania's Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime. Decision No. 49 mandates that reporters apply 24 hours in advance to attend proceedings, bans electronic devices including mobile phones, and imposes a media pool system.

The journalists' union claimed the measure violates the constitution and European conventions, warning that the court is moving to "legalize censorship." Democratic Party spokesperson Floriana Garo also urged the court to retract the policy, stating that "security cannot be used to limit transparency."

The developments unfold alongside broader concerns over press freedom and personal safety, which have historically driven several local investigative reporters to seek protection abroad.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Faktoje, Gazeta Tema.