OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses readiness to continue working with Albanian authorities to improve media legislation

VIENNA, 13 January 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, received today from the President of Republic of Albania Ilir Meta’s Office explanatory documents on the reasons for the return to Parliament of the laws on Audiovisual Media and the Law on Electronic communication in the Republic of Albania.

In view of the new examination of the laws by Parliament, the Representative confirms that he stands ready to continue working with Albania’s authorities to improve the laws, in particular on the issue of the level of the fines and the respect of the principle of proportionality as enshrined in international law.

The Representative recalls that nothing in the new legislation should impede the freedom of expression and media freedom. He hopes that the new reading will allow for further clarification and improvement of the laws to ensure their full compliance with international standards and OSCE commitments.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.