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LETTER/ The creation of the Disinformation Commission, the SafeJournalists network expresses its concerns to the Speaker of the Assembly: To be taken into account..

2024-04-09 13:51:52Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
LETTER/ The creation of the Disinformation Commission, the SafeJournalists
Safe Journalists

The Safe Journalists network has sent a letter to the Speaker of the Parliament of Albania,  Lindita Nikolla, where she expresses concern about the establishment of the Special Commission for Disinformation.

In the letter, Safe Journalists states that it is necessary to consider the wider implications that this initiative and this commission may have on media freedom and freedom of expression.

According to them, existing mechanisms within the legislative framework of Albania, such as other parliamentary commissions, or the Audiovisual Broadcasting Code, approved only last year, already offer ways to address issues related to disinformation.

"The need to create a new entity with potentially broad and undefined powers warrants a thorough discussion to prevent any infringement of journalistic freedoms," the letter states.

Among other things, Safe Journalists calls on the Assembly of Albania and the newly formed commission to adopt a framework that prioritizes transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and effectiveness in its activity.

"The focus of the Special Commission on Disinformation should be on complying with the Albanian legal framework to these standards to ensure that Albania's approach to combating disinformation is in line with wider EU objectives and best practices", it is emphasized . Further.

The Safe Journalists Network, representing over 8,200 members from the Western Balkans, is committed to advocating for the rights and safety of journalists, as well as protecting media freedoms in the region. Our organization closely monitors the media landscape in Albania and is deeply invested in developments affecting the journalistic community.

While we acknowledge the intention to tackle the pressing issue of disinformation and foreign interference, following the establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Disinformation, it is imperative to consider the wider implications this initiative may have on media freedom and freedom of expression. The urgency in the formation of the commission, characterized by the lack of a consultative process with the relevant parties, the lack of consensus from the opposition and the quick approval on April 3, 2024, at the Conference of Speakers of the Assembly of Albania, raises concerns about the purpose and objectives of the commission.

Moreover, existing mechanisms within Albania's legislative framework, such as other parliamentary commissions, or the Audiovisual Broadcasting Code, approved only last year, already offer ways to address issues related to disinformation. The need to create a new entity with potentially broad and undefined powers warrants a thorough discussion to prevent any infringement of journalistic freedoms.

Since the creation of the Special Commission for Disinformation is already a done deal, we call on the Assembly of Albania and the newly formed commission to adopt a framework that prioritizes transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and effectiveness in its activity.

It is imperative that the committee's decisions and strategies are anchored in rigorous research and data analysis. Engaging a diverse range of actors, including media professionals, civil society, media freedom organizations, local and international experts, is also key to preserving democratic values. The Commission should undertake a thorough process to clearly define its purpose and objectives.

This clarity is essential to avoid any duplication of roles with existing structures and to ensure that the commission's efforts are precisely targeted and deliver tangible results. A well-defined mandate will also prevent potential overreach and ensure that the committee's activities focus on tackling disinformation without compromising media freedom and freedom of expression.

As Albania progresses on its EU membership journey, alignment with the standards set by the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the upcoming Media Freedom Act (MFA) becomes not only a matter of alignment, but a crucial step in alignment with European legal and regulatory framework.

The focus of the Special Commission on Disinformation should be on complying with the Albanian legal framework to these standards to ensure that Albania's approach to combating disinformation is consistent with wider EU objectives and best practices.

The role of independent and quality journalism is indispensable in Albanian democratic developments, serving as a pillar for informed citizenship and accountability. Any measure taken to combat disinformation should enhance, not hinder, the ability of the Albanian media to fulfill this role. We look forward to a constructive dialogue and are eager to see the Albanian Parliament adopt an approach that balances the fight against disinformation with the imperative to support media freedom and freedom of expression.

We are attentive to your actions and decisions in this matter and are at your disposal for any dialogue or contribution that may help to achieve these common objectives.

We look forward to hearing from you.


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