Speaking at Albania’s seventh National Conference on the Right to Information, Rama stressed that no journalist has been criminally prosecuted by the government in recent years.

“No lawsuits have been filed against journalists because we have blocked all such actions for many years, but this step will take freedom even further,” he said.

Rama clarified that the move will apply only to journalists and media professionals, not to politicians or elected officials, who will remain liable for criminal defamation. He noted that while defamation remains criminalised in 24 EU countries, Albania is moving to remove the penal aspect for those working to inform the public.

The government head also referenced past debates over regulating online media, stressing that the government aims to support responsible journalism without imposing heavy-handed controls.

/j.p/u.sh/