Criminal defamation and insult provisions in Albania’s draft Penal Code have raised serious concerns over potential threats to freedom of expression and media independence. During the 10th Thematic Working Group on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, the Center Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) presented its independent legal analysis of the draft code, highlighting the risks these provisions pose to journalists, whistleblowers, civil society organizations, and public watchdogs. SCiDEV stresses that these provisions are not only contrary to European integration requirements but also undermine democratic principles, as they could fuel self-censorship and silence legitimate criticism. According to SCiDEV, imprisonment and heavy fines for non-violent expression are disproportionate, unnecessary, and create a systemic chilling effect, threatening the ability of journalists, activists, and civil society to perform their essential roles in a democratic society. Read more here.
Source: SCiDEV
