OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media concludes first official visit to Albania

TIRANA, 22 May 2026 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Ambassador Jan Braathu, today concluded his first official visit to Albania following three days of bilateral meetings with senior public officials, parliamentarians and media stakeholders.

Discussions focused on the safety of journalists; legal harassment, including Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs); the responsibility of media in upholding high journalistic standards; access to public information; and the broader legal and economic environment for independent media in Albania.

Representative Braathu welcomed recent amendments to the Criminal Code aimed at strengthening protections for journalists against threats and violence. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of effectively implementing the legal framework along with existing police and prosecutorial mechanisms to ensure accountability in all reported cases, including online and gender-based violence. He also called for the full decriminalization of defamation in line with international standards and OSCE media freedom commitments as well as stronger safeguards against SLAPPs. In this context, he noted that the RFoM office is preparing guidance for all OSCE participating States on addressing SLAPP lawsuits targeting public interest reporting to be published later this year.

The Representative further welcomed recent legislative measures aimed at improving transparency of media ownership and emphasized the importance of continued reforms to strengthen the independence, governance and financial sustainability of the public broadcaster RTSH. Furthermore, Representative Braathu underscored that timely and effective access to information held by public authorities remains fundamental to transparent governance, democratic accountability and informed public debate.

“Free, safe and independent media is essential to democratic resilience and public trust,” Representative Braathu said. “I welcome Albania’s constructive engagement on these important issues and look forward to continued co-operation with the authorities and media stakeholders in advancing media freedom in the country, in line with relevant OSCE commitments and international standards, and best practices.”

During the visit, Representative Braathu met with Minister of Justice Toni Gogu; Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi; Prosecutor General Olsian Çela; State Police Chief of Communication and focal point for safety of journalists, Gentian Mullaj; parliamentary committee chairs, including Jorida Tabaku, Chair of the Committee on Human Rights and Means of Public Information, and Igli Hasani, Chair of the Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Head of the European Union Delegation to Albania; RTSH Director General Eni Vasili; Chairperson of the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA) Armela Krasniqi.

The official visit of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media was organized in close coordination with the OSCE Presence in Albania. 

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. 

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