The publication of some documents on employment in the General Directorate of Customs has brought a clash of accusations and counter-accusations between the television owned by the publisher Irfan Hysenbelliu and the director of Customs Gent Gazheli. Today, Edi Rama was involved in this clash.
He published almost two hours ago the reaction of Gent Gazheli and said that the media accused him, even personally, but did not publish the reaction of the head of Customs in the media. This first reaction of Edi Rama brought a chronicle of the News 24 media, which said that the prime minister came to the defense of his director.
The prime minister also wrote about this chronicle a few moments ago. He says that he has no personal relationship with the media and has not taken anyone's side, but News 24 should have published Gent Gazheli's position regarding the accusations made by the media.
Edi Rama's full note:
"I spoke clearly without taking sides. On the contrary, I said that whoever is the victim of a defamation or the target of a legitimate accusation, should have the minimum right to publish his opinion! And as can be seen here, this does not happen, it continues!
I didn't even just talk about this media group releasing 2016 "facts" as its owner is fined for hiding significant income in his business! I was talking about all the media, because this freedom of the media without the right of reply for them smells very bad!
As for the "facts" in quotes or without quotes, of course the Albanian Customs can and should make its official clarifications, but another legitimate denunciation of the facts, another personal attack on the head of the institution, directly after receiving a legal punishment for evasion!
Nothing personal, only logical and principled. Defamation law no! Law on media insults no! No trial with the media and journalists! Reactions as the Albanians deserve in these cases, no! What about the complaint about the right to publish attitudes after an attack?! I find it strange!”
