Albanian Special Court imposes new rules limiting journalists’ courtroom access

GJKKO media restrictions journalist access courtroom regulation Albania

The Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) approved a new internal regulation governing security, order and conduct in its premises, which will take effect on 1 September. The rules require journalists to submit a written request at least 24 hours before a hearing, limit the number of media representatives allowed inside if capacity is exceeded, and ban the use of mobile phones, tablets, laptops and unauthorised recording equipment in the courtroom.

Journalist groups, including the Association of Albanian Journalists (AGSH) and the Union of Albanian Journalists (UGSH), have criticised the measures as a breach of constitutional rights to information and freedom of expression, arguing they conflict with the principle that public court sessions must remain open to the media and the public.

Entities

Albanian journalists · Association of Albanian Journalists (AGSH) · Erion Bani · Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) · Union of Albanian Journalists (UGSH)

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The regulation will take effect on 1 September. gazeta.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Journalists must submit a written request at least 24 hours before a court session to attend. gazeta.mk · zhurnal.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] GJKKO approved a new internal regulation for security, order and behavior in its premises. gazeta.mk · zhurnal.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] If the number of journalist requests exceeds courtroom capacity, only a portion of media representatives will be allowed inside. gazeta.mk · zhurnal.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Use of mobile phones, tablets and laptops is prohibited inside the courtroom. gazeta.mk · zhurnal.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Journalist associations say the regulation violates constitutional rights to information and freedom of expression. zhurnal.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] The regulation conflicts with the principle that public court sessions must be open to media and the public. gazeta.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] Recording, photographing or broadcasting court sessions is allowed only under conditions set by the regulation. gazeta.mk

Sources

‘Bunkerizim i gjykatës’: Rregullorja e re e GJKKO cenon aksesin e gazetarëve [zhurnal.mk]

24 days ago

GJKKO rikthen censurë ndaj mediave, miraton rregulloren e re; gazetarët në seanca ‘me duar në xhepa’ [gazeta.mk]

25 days ago

KLGJ apo GJKKO? Apo të dy? [24-ore.com]

23 days ago

KLGJ apo GJKKO? Apo të dy? [javanews.al]

23 days ago