The Journalists' Association of Albania has publicly expressed concern regarding a possible "plan" by the majority, which aims to limit the presence of the media in the premises of the Parliament, inside and outside it.
Through an official response, AGSH calls on the Speaker of the Parliament, Niko Peleshi, not to advance with this plan, which includes banning the use of cameras in the hall where the plenary session takes place as well as limiting journalists' access to the external spaces of the Parliament.
According to them, such isolation deprives journalists of the opportunity to be in front of MPs and ask them "undirected" questions.
Reaction from the Journalists Association of Albania:
The Journalists' Association of Albania has been informed of a plan by the socialist majority in Parliament to restrict journalists and the media.
Recently discussed plans to ban cameras inside the plenary session hall and to limit journalists' access to the Parliament courtyard ultimately remove the opportunity for journalists to have direct contact with MPs and ministers, who must be held accountable for their work.
AGSH calls on the Speaker of the Assembly, Niko Peleshi, the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group and all stakeholders involved not to advance with these plans, which severely damage media freedom and the right of citizens to be informed about the activities of the deputies they have voted for.
AGSH calls on the opposition in Parliament to use all instruments to prevent such a restriction.
AGSH will immediately inform international partners about this restrictive attempt to restrict media freedom.
AGSH also calls on all media editorial offices to exert their influence to prevent the realization of this plan.
The Parliament courtyard and its hall are the last "island" left for the media to ask questions and film without direction.