Albanian judicial restrictions on media access

The Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) in Albania introduced new internal regulations to govern security and conduct within its premises. Effective September 1, these rules require journalists to provide 24-hour written notice before hearings, impose limits on the number of media representatives present, and prohibit the use of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and unauthorized recording devices in the courtroom.

Journalist associations have criticized these measures as a violation of constitutional rights to information and freedom of expression. Critics argue the regulations act as a form of prior censorship that prevents the media from documenting sessions. Furthermore, there are broader concerns that restricted information flow from various state institutions, including the Special Structure Against Corruption (SPAK) and the Prime Minister's office, may inadvertently fuel the spread of disinformation.

International scrutiny has intensified following the emergence of the ‘Bani regulation.’ The European Union has responded to the rule, noting it restricts judicial transparency and limits journalistic work. The EU stated it is consulting on how to balance court security with judicial transparency and journalistic duties.

The controversy has centered on Erion Bani, who is identified as both the drafter of the regulation and the author of private comments that critics argue recommend illegal conduct within the court system. This development marks a rare instance where the EU and OSCE have directly engaged with an institution that has moved beyond the scope of the justice reform process in Albania.