Albania's anti-corruption court faces criticism over press restrictions

Albania's Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime faces growing pushback over new internal regulations that restrict media coverage. Under Decision No. 49, journalists must request access 24 hours prior to hearings, hand over electronic devices, and adhere to a pool reporter system.

The Union of Albanian Journalists warned that the measures breach constitutional rights and international conventions, cautioning against court-sanctioned censorship. Meanwhile, opposition Democratic Party spokesperson Floriana Garo called for the policy's withdrawal, asserting that "security cannot be used to limit transparency".

The dispute coincides with heightened attention on media safety in Albania, where persistent threats and violence have previously forced investigative reporters to seek political asylum abroad.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Faktoje, Gazeta Tema.