Attack on media outlets and organisations, 21/07/2023, Kamez

Translations: Tirana 

On July 21, 2023, Journalist Ronald Qema from the local media outlet “Nyje” was explicitly denied access to the Kamëz Municipal Council meeting, which was scheduled to start at 16:00. This act was communicated initially by the secretary of Rakip Suli, the Mayor of Kamëz who was reconfirmed as mayor during the local elections on May 14, 2023.

In a concerning turn of events, when Mr. Qema questioned this decision, which was without any valid reason, the secretary escalated the matter to the Mayor. Shortly thereafter, Mayor Suli descended and stated his preference for a media-free Council meeting, claiming as a reason “because I feel like it”.

Video of the incident

This incident poses a serious threat to media freedom and the transparency of public institutions in Albania. The obstruction of a journalist from attending a Municipal Council meeting, which should be a public event, represents a violation of the public’s right to information and the rights of the media to report.

It further undermines the principles of democratic governance, particularly at a local level where transparency is key to fostering trust between the public and their elected officials. The Mayor’s expressed desire to exclude media presence at the municipal meeting solely based on his personal whim is a clear disregard for these democratic norms.

Moreover, the fact that the incident involved the Mayor’s office, a public institution that should uphold and respect the values of transparency and public participation, adds to the gravity of the situation.

This case serves as a reminder of the vital importance of ensuring the freedom of the press and the transparency of public institutions.

We will be closely monitoring the situation and any subsequent developments.