The High Court has clarified the decision for journalist Elton Qyno, upholding the decision of the Special Court of Appeal to repeal the security measure 'compulsory appearance', previously imposed by the Special Court of First Instance, at the request of SPAK.
The decision clearly states that, although the Special Prosecution Office and the Court of First Instance have referred to a series of wiretapped telephone communications between suspects as part of a criminal organization, in which the name of journalist Qyno is also mentioned, this evidence is not sufficient to raise reasonable suspicion that he has committed a criminal offense or acted contrary to his duty as a journalist.
The Supreme Court also notes that the articles and materials published in the media where Qyno practiced his profession have not been contested by the prosecution as untrue or fabricated. According to the decision, the news contains information on concrete criminal events, which have not been contested by the accusers as false, which reinforces the idea that the journalist acted in accordance with his information mission.
The court emphasizes that, although suspicions may be raised of a violation of the journalist's professional ethics, this is not sufficient to justify the initiation of criminal proceedings or the imposition of a security measure against him.
The decision underlines that the investigation against Elton Qynos may continue, but the Prosecution must act carefully, respecting his rights as a journalist and avoiding any unjustified interference in the exercise of his profession.
The Court also stresses the importance of verifying transcripts from platforms such as SkyEÇ, to ensure consistency with other evidence that could confirm or refute the allegations. According to it, so far there is no evidence showing that the journalist interfered with the content of the news, unlawfully benefited or deleted/altered published information.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court decided to dismiss the appeal of the Special Prosecution Office, leaving in force decision no. 01 (87-2025-10), dated 24.01.2025, of the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime.
The Criminal College concluded that the appellate court correctly applied the criminal and procedural law, found no legal violations, and its decision is in accordance with the case law of the Supreme Court.