Albania: Guard Physically Restrains Journalist Klesiana Omeri Covering Parliament
Several journalists report escalating obstacles while trying to access MPs
Location: Albania, Tirana
Date: November 9, 2023
Several journalists, including Klesiana Omeri, were obstructed while covering the Albanian Parliament. Guards have restrained and stopped journalists from filming without providing the press with an explanation for restrictions. This obscurity challenges the ideals of legislative transparency and hampers the media's role in ensuring an informed public. The Coalition For Women In Journalism denounces the hindering of reporters covering the parliament and calls for equal access for all press.
On November 9, journalists attempting to engage with ministers and deputies for questioning faced obstruction from the Guard outside the parliament in Tirana. Guard physically restrained KlanTV journalist Klesiana Omeri and barred a camera operator from filming. Omeri told Safe Journalists that guards, acting on "new directives," have restricted journalists to a specific area, significantly limiting their ability to conduct interviews.
Guards of the parliament are reportedly executing verbal orders to prevent media access to officials, consistently impeding journalists and camera crews, particularly on Thursdays — a day traditionally reserved for more in-depth inquiries. Journalist Esiona Konomi echoed these complaints, highlighting the increasing inhospitality of the parliament towards journalists.
Compounding these concerns is the 2021 media accreditation regulation imposed by the Albanian Parliament, confining journalists to a specific reporting area and limiting access to politicians exclusively within the parliamentary yard. Unlike the public broadcaster, which is allowed to record proceedings, other media outlets must operate from a designated room, relying on a video feed supplied by the parliament.
In response to this disturbing pattern of obstructing reporters covering the parliament, Balkans press freedom organization Safe Journalists wrote a letter to MPs demanding fair and transparent press access. In response, the parliament said it would continue “to respect the highest standards of transparency and accountability” and that it considers the media and journalists “important partners.”
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is troubled by the restrictions placed on the media's ability to independently navigate parliament and directly question MPs. While we appreciate the parliamentary assembly’s response to complaints filed by journalists, we hope that their words will be followed by actions. Limiting the ability of reporters to question MPs limits the public’s right to information and weakens democracy. All accredited journalists must be allowed equal access to parliament.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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