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Rama remembers the rights of Albanian journalists, denies censorship and fines

Politiko 2023-03-24 09:30:22
Rama remembers the rights of Albanian journalists, denies censorship and fines

 

"Political pressure, corruption, and lack of funding limited independent print media, and journalists reportedly practiced self-censorship." It was this quote that DASH made in the last report on media and press freedom in Albania.

Prime Minister Rama has often been criticized for his derogatory vocabulary and lynching language towards journalists, in press conferences and meetings, as well as for his 90-day 're-education'. From London, Rama remembered to bring attention to the rights of Albanian journalists, while denying that there is any censorship towards them.

He calls the lack of freedom in the media "abhorrent", refuting what international reports and media associations have repeatedly stated.

"There is a stereotype, if you are a journalist in Albania you cannot say what you think and this is wrong. I do not accept moral superiority from anyone when it comes to a certain issue, I have my answers, you as a journalist have your questions. Any accusation that comes to your mind, to say that this is a lack of freedom is bullshit.

There is a big problem with the salaries of journalists in Albania. They are underpaid and paid in cash and so on. There is a mix between the freedom of the media and the public obligations it has. Journalists can ask whatever questions they want, no one stops them, I have risked my life for freedom of speech in Albania. Don't pretend that I accept any bullshit because I can't", said Rama.

Also, he denies any fines against the media, at a time when the DASH report itself a few days ago talked about political persuasion against the media.

"Are media organizations fined in Albania? Give me an example. In Albania, media owners who commit fiscal evasion or do not pay taxes, social security and public obligations are fined, for me they are two different things. We have never fined a media for no reason", declared Rama.

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