A heated debate erupted yesterday in the Top Story studio on Top Channel.
The guest, Prime Minister Edi Rama, debated with moderator Grida Duma about Ervin Salianj's prison sentence, which she considered a punishment for free speech.
The Duma asked the prime minister whether he had violated his standard of not commenting on the court decisions in the Salijanj case, which he not only commented on but also anticipated.
"In my view, the Salianj case is a positive historical precedent for justice, even against defamation. It was a final decision. I have not commented on decisions that were in process. I have commented on a final decision and I stand by it. He was sentenced with full merit," said Rama.
Duma: First case for free speech, and you're committed to commenting on it back and forth.
Rama: It was a wish that for once a slanderer would receive punishment in this country, where slander is king.
Duma: Where slander lives all day and all night inside your house, inside the house of Albanians, Albanian politics, with the one you call an owl who could have said anything possible about you and you do other things with him and nothing happens.
Rama: I've been to court with the owl, I've been to court with the owl's frogs and I've won.
Duma: You have violated the standard..
Rama: I have not violated any standards. Politicians should go to jail when they slander.
Duma: And you've never said untrue things in Albania?
Rama: I have never slandered.