Association of Journalists of Albania sues Special Anti-Corruption Court

The Association of Journalists of Albania (AGSH) has filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court challenging the new internal regulations of the Special Anti-Corruption Court (GJKKO). The association argues that the regulations, which came into effect on September 1, directly censor the media and infringe upon the freedom of expression and the public's right to information.

Key points of contention include the prohibition of mobile phone use during court sessions, the ban on audio recording by journalists, and restrictive accreditation procedures. AGSH head Isa Myzyri stated that the legal action seeks an immediate suspension of the regulations until a final decision is reached by the Constitutional Court, followed by their total annulment.

Myzyri expressed disappointment that the GJKKO did not engage in dialogue or create communication channels to improve the rules before implementation. The 127-page petition argues that these restrictions impede the ability of journalists to report on significant judicial proceedings, thereby affecting both media professionals and the citizens' access to justice.